Religious Freedom Watch
Father Bill Carmody is a Catholic priest in the Diocese of Colorado Springs, Colorado. He is quite active in the pro-life movement in the area, and regularly says Mass for pro-life advocates outside the Planned Parenthood killing center in town.
At least he did until two weeks ago.
That's when the cops came in and busted Father Bill.
The charge? Having an open container of sacramental wine.
It seems that the local ordinance doesn't distinguish between walking down the street with a can of beer or a bottle of bourbon in a brown bag and engaging in First Amendment protected activity on public property.
Fortunately, Father Bill was let off with just a warning for trying to use his constitutional right to Free Exercise of Religion in a public place. But he is subject to arrest next time he tries to say Mass in a public place. The city seems in no hurry to consider his request to modify the open container ordinance to protect religious freedom
Any comments? Any lawyers who want to help deal with this affront to the First Amendment?
At least he did until two weeks ago.
That's when the cops came in and busted Father Bill.
The charge? Having an open container of sacramental wine.
It seems that the local ordinance doesn't distinguish between walking down the street with a can of beer or a bottle of bourbon in a brown bag and engaging in First Amendment protected activity on public property.
Fortunately, Father Bill was let off with just a warning for trying to use his constitutional right to Free Exercise of Religion in a public place. But he is subject to arrest next time he tries to say Mass in a public place. The city seems in no hurry to consider his request to modify the open container ordinance to protect religious freedom
Any comments? Any lawyers who want to help deal with this affront to the First Amendment?
posted by Greg at
11/27/2004 10:54:00 AM
