"Very Interesting", said Artie Johnson. And it is. The Constitution proscribes the support of any Religion by the "State" but guarantees the freedom of religion in public and private spaces. Your home, church, mosque or even the street corner. You can wave signs touting your religion, hand out literature, get a soap box and harangue until the end of times. You just can't do it on any "State" property. Now we both know this is an oft overlooked situation. Prayers start almost everything that is a "State" function. The congressional sessions, the swearing in of most officials etc. Even icons affixed to "State" buildings.
Now enter the age-old manger with the Baby Jesus, Mary, Joesph and a bunch of animals, children and men. Clearly a Christian symbol. Now enter Florida. In order to legally display such an icon on "State" property, the property must be declared a "Public Space". The legislators, a majority of whom are conservative and Christian, designated the Capitol Rotunda of the State of Florida a "Public Space", clearing the way for the crèche. One was immediately installed and when the ACLU was asked, they said it was fine. No problem in a public space. But they also said that the State better be prepared to extend the same, the EXACT SAME access to anyone asking for it. And now the gates have opened, and how they opened indeed: Jews, Atheists, and a Festivus worshiper have asked for and gotten access.
Now a legitimate Satanic Church has asked and the conservatives are going batty. Next the Flying Spaghetti Monster will petition for a slot. And there will be more. And, they must be granted access by the same rules that allow the others.
I can't wait to see how the conservative members react to their constituents when the Anointed Ones visit the Rotunda and see Satan next to Jesus next to a pole of PBR.
Image: http://www.robertbenchley.org/2012_competition/arte-as-german.jpg
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