Re: Displaying Religious Symbols in State Offices

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On 5/21/03, Jamille wrote:
> After losing my job because of a long illness, I had to go
> to the Division of Family Services in Ft. Lauderdale,
> Florida to apply for food stamps. The office of the intake
> worker had a large wooden cross displayed prominantly on
> the wall behind his head. On either side were large
> pictures of Jesus and Mary. I feel intimidated enough being
> a Muslim in today's climate, and even tho he might not
> treat me different, it made me feel uncomfortable. Should
> religious symbols be displayed in the offices of state
> workers like that?

There's no law that prohibits it, unless the muncipality or
State has adopted some regulation to that effect for State
agencies. (Personally, I agree that such displays are
inappropriate in most workplaces, whether in the public or
private sector.) It's not discriminatory unless employees of
other religious faiths are prohibited from displaying their
own icons and pictures or if they refuse services to you
because of your faith or religious beliefs. The Constitution
guarantees freedom OF religion, not freedom from religion.

Re: Displaying Religious Symbols in State Offices, 3/11/04, by chris.

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