Why do secularists think they can get away with banning Christian groups from meeting while allowing secular groups to use the same space?
May we never go back to the dark days when courts allowed religious people to be treated differently simply because they are religious.
The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) reported that the Carillon North Homeowners Association in Grayslake, Illinois, allows residents to use its clubhouse for secular activities but bans religious groups from doing the same.
ACLJ sent the HOA a demand letter reminding the association that it cannot discriminate against residents because of religion. A Bible study group had met every Wednesday morning in the clubhouse for more than two years with the HOA’s knowledge and approval.
Then things changed.
Here’s what happened:
Following our client’s August 12 Bible study, HOA management explained that other residents wanted to use a clubhouse room for an annual Catholic Mass, but the HOA did not want to allow it. Management further explained that the HOA was concerned that allowing the Bible study to continue meeting in the clubhouse could be used to challenge a decision prohibiting the Catholic Mass. The HOA’s apparent solution was not to treat religious and nonreligious activities equally. Instead, the Board decided to ban all religious groups from using the clubhouse.
In other words, instead of treating religious and secular groups equally, the HOA decided to shut religious groups out altogether.
The HOA won’t get away with this.
ACLJ said its client is prepared to file a lawsuit unless the HOA allows the study group to continue meeting in the clubhouse.
