[Cerek the Barbaric]

Originally posted by Rokenn: But one of the ACLU's mandates, if I'm not mistaken, is to also defend the consititution, not just peoples rights. I have misgivings about this faith-based prison idea, as it could cross the line of the government establishing religion. I think the ACLU taking a wait and see attitude is the right move on this.

I actually agree with you up to a point, Rokenn. Gov. Jeb Bush is skating very close to the line of separation of church and state here...and there is definitely a potential for Constitutional violations.

However, I believe Gov. Bush has covered himself by: a) allowing the prisoners to openly practice 26 different religions, and b) allowing any prisoners that didn't like the "faith based concept" to transfer to another facility. So the prisoners at Lawtey have been given a freedom of choice {well, as much freedom of choice as a prisoner can have, anyway} and the ones that are there are there by their own choice. So there isn't an argument of their civil rights being violated.

Still, the situation DOES need to be monitored to ensure that subtle steps aren't taken to promote Christianity (or any other specific religion) over the others.

So I will meet you halfway on this one.