Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Judge Orders Marriage and Writing Bible Verses As Conditions of Probation

KLTV News reported last week on the July sentencing hearing in Smith County, Texas of  Josten Bundy for assaulting his girlfriend Elizabeth Jayne's former boyfriend. The two got into a fight when the former boyfriend said disrespectful things about  Elizabeth.  At the sentencing hearing, Judge Randall Rogers said he would grant probation instead of 15 days in jail if Bundy married Jayne within 30 days.  The probation terms also included writing Bible verses and getting counseling.  Yesterday Americans United released a letter (full text) that it sent to Judge Rogers arguing that the probation terms violate the Establishment Clause and the right to privacy.

UPDATE: The Freedom From Religion Foundation announced that on Aug. 13 it filed a formal complaint against Judge Rogers with the Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct.