A nonprofit litigation firm dedicated to advancing religious freedom is demanding that a Washington State county fair treat a children's Christian organization the same as other groups at the event.
Chelan County Fair officials told Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) members they cannot distribute anything to anyone under 18 who is not accompanied by an adult. But as Mat Staver of Liberty Counsel points out, other groups are not under the same restrictions.
"Obviously, if only one, like CEF, has to do that and the others are not, there's an unequal treatment. And consequently, it's designed to keep the young children from the Good News Club booth that is sponsored by Child Evangelism Fellowship," the attorney explains. "So, we're looking at this. We've sent a demand letter making sure that CEF is treated equally, just like everyone else."
He asserts that fair officials cannot single out an organization solely based on the viewpoint of the message it presents.
"For example, if … the Boy Scouts [are giving] information regarding scouting, then certainly CEF can give out information regarding Good News Clubs and quoting the gospel without getting parental permission," Staver reasons.
Liberty Counsel has successfully helped CEF clubs fight discrimination throughout the country, many cases being resolved without litigation. Staver adds, though, that they will not hesitate taking legal action if officials are unwilling to abide by the Constitution.