Thursday, April 07, 2016

FFRF Sues Connecticut City Over Refusal To Allow Winter Solstice Banner

A suit was filed two weeks ago by the Freedom From Religion Foundation challenging the refusal by Shelton, Connecticut authorities to allow FFRF to place a Winter Solstice display in a city park. The complaint (full text) in Freedom From Religion Foundation v. City of Shelton, Connecticut, (D CT, filed 3/22/2016) alleges that the city allows the American Legion to place a "heralding angels" religious display in Constitution Park every Christmas season. However the city refused to allow FFRF to put up a banner reading in part: "At this season of the Winter Solstice, let reason prevail. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell...." The city thought the banner would be offensive to many. The complaint alleges free speech and equal protection violations.  FFRF issued a press release announcing the filing of the federal lawsuit. Yesterday WSHU News had a longer report on the lawsuit.