Irish Fest organizers in Milwaukee announced on Aug. 16, 2012, that they were dropping a promotion that violated civil rights laws by rewarding Mass attendance, in response to a complaint from the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Irish Fest will now offer everyone who drops off a food donation by 11 a.m. free admittance.
Elliott sent his first letter of complaint about the discount in 2010, when officials refused to address the discount.
He sent a follow up letter on Aug. 9, 2012, and received an Aug. 14 response from an attorney representing Irish Fest stating that they would not end or amend the discount.
Prior to FFRF’s involvement, Irish Fest’s website said, “Guests who donate nonperishable food items prior to the liturgy are admitted to the festival free of charge after the Mass.” Elliott suggested a simple solution to the problem would be for all attendees to be able to donate items for free admittance at 11 a.m. or at any time of entry.
