Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in California
Can a religious serman be preached in a park that is owned by a local government, or is this a violation of church and state?
Asked on 9/08/10, 7:52 pm
2 Answers from Attorneys
Michael Stone
Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE
It depends. If the city allows other preachers from other religions to sermonize, no. If the city does something to prefer one religion over another, then maybe yes.
Answered on 9/13/10, 7:58 pm
Mr. Stone is sort of right. It's a bit more complicated than that, and depends on a lot of factors such as whether permits are required and granted, what activities may or may not accompany the sermon, etc. If someone just walks into a park and gives a sermon, however, and anyone else who walks into the park can give a speech on a topic of their choice, then it definitely would not violate the separation of church and state.
Answered on 9/13/10, 10:56 pm