Thanks to a series of letters from FFRF, tax-funded senior centers in Maryland have been reminded of their duties to not require prayer for the seniors in their care.
Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel sent letters to three Maryland senior centers about reports of unconstitutional prayers at mealtimes, typically over a PA system. FFRF’s complainant reported feeling as though “kitchen staffers hold our tax-subsidized lunches hostage” until a prayer was said. Seidel also sent letters to the two counties where the three facilities are located, writing to the Baltimore County Department on Aging and the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities. The Maryland Department of Aging also received a letter from FFRF objecting to prayers.
“Government-run or -funded facilities should not host, organize, or facilitate prayers,” wrote Seidel. “Not only does scheduling or permitting public prayer to be imposed on all diners at these meals raise concern that the government is endorsing religion, it also violates citizens’ rights to be free from religious proselytizing.”
FFRF’s complainant confirmed that the pre-meal prayers had stopped.
