Answered step by step
Verified Expert Solution
Link Copied!

Question

1 Approved Answer

For many years, the Old Ways Fellowship, a neopagan religious organization, received permission from the City's Building Authority to display a five-foot diameter symbol of

For many years, the Old Ways Fellowship, a neopagan religious organization, received permission from the City's Building Authority to display a five-foot diameter symbol of the sun in the lobby of City's Municipal Government Building during the week surrounding the Winter Solstice. The display was accompanied by a sign stating "Old Ways Fellowship wishes you a happy Winter Solstice." Last year the Building Authority adopted a new "Policy on Seasonal Displays," which states: Religious displays and symbols are not permitted in any government building. Such displays and symbols impermissibly convey the appearance of government endorsement of religion. Previously, the Building Authority had allowed access to a wide variety of public and private speakers and displays in the lobby of the Municipal Government Building. Based on the new policy, however, it denied the Old Ways Fellowship a permit for the sun display. After it was informed by counsel that courts treat Christmas trees as secular symbols, rather than religious symbols, the Building Authority decided to erect a Christmas tree in the lobby of the Municipal Government Building, while continuing to prohibit the Old Ways Fellowship sun display. The Old Ways Fellowship contests the Building Authority's policy and its decision regarding the Christmas tree. It has offered to put up a disclaimer sign explaining that the Winter Solstice greeting is not endorsed by City. The Building Authority has turned down this offer. The Old Ways Fellowship has filed suit claiming violation of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.

What arguments may the Old WWays Fellowship reasonably raise in support of its claim and how are they likely to fare?

Step by Step Solution

There are 3 Steps involved in it

Step: 1

blur-text-image

Get Instant Access to Expert-Tailored Solutions

See step-by-step solutions with expert insights and AI powered tools for academic success

Step: 2

blur-text-image

Step: 3

blur-text-image

Ace Your Homework with AI

Get the answers you need in no time with our AI-driven, step-by-step assistance

Get Started

Recommended Textbook for

Criminal Law Text Cases And Materials

Authors: Jonathan Herring

9th Edition

0198848471, 978-0198848479

More Books

Students also viewed these Law questions

Question

1. To generate a discussion on the concept of roles

Answered: 1 week ago