ACLU Complains About Liberty Religious Concert

[proud2BlibKansan]

LIBERTY, Mo. -- A Kansas City suburb that attracted a record crowd to its community concert series by inviting a contemporary Christian group plans to stay away from the genre in the future after the American Civil Liberties Union complained.

The issue arose after the June 26 concert in the city's downtown square featured the Sidewalk Prophets from Nashville, Tenn. The ACLU's regional office claimed the event violated the First Amendment's Establishment Clause, which bars the government from endorsing religion.

The ACLU noted that the city's Parks Department paid the band a $4,000 appearance fee, plus $466 for the group's lodging and $4,570 for the rental of stage and sound equipment.

About 2,000 people turned out, about ten times more than a typical community concert draws, Liberty City Administrator Curt Wenson said.

Read more: http://www.kmbc.com/news/30070923/detail.html#ixzz1hYsGmwFJ

[Cirque du So-What]

1. I doubt many so-called 'fiscal conservatives' are concerned about this expenditure of public funds

These hypocrites practice 'cafeteria economics' to pick & choose what they consider responsible use of public funds - regardless of their legality. Here's hoping the ACLU rips this municipality a new one.

[Ian David]

2. I'm all in favor, so long as they also allow a Contemporary Satanic band equal time to perform. n/t

[proud2BlibKansan]

3. Or a Muslim band

[Ian David]

4. And a Jewish band. And an Atheist band. And a Scientologist band.

And actually they have to not just ALLOW... but actually PAY the bands.

[Downwinder]

5. Think I would settle for any "Big Band."

How about the Harry James Orchestra

http://www.fredradke.com/

[Iggo]

6. Not just alow it, but goddam pay for it.

I'd buy tickets.

[msongs]

7. why is the band charging $$ to spread religion? Jesus did it for free nt