<\/p>\n
On April 30, 2012, the Center for Inquiry (CFI) filed suit against a Michigan country club for religious discrimination and breach of contract after the club cancelled an event because of the attendees\u2019 lack of religious beliefs.<\/p>\n
CFI is charging the Wyndgate Country Club in Rochester Hills, Michigan, and its owner with violation of the Civil Rights Act and with breaking its contract with CFI\u2019s Michigan branch. The Wyndgate cancelled a scheduled CFI\u2013Michigan event to be held October 12, 2011, that would have included an address by Richard Dawkins.<\/p>\n
The Wyndgate justified breaking its contract by stating that \u201cthe owner does not wish to associate with certain individuals and philosophies,\u201d referring to the \u201cphilosophies\u201d of Professor Dawkins and other nonbelievers. The expressed reasoning for the cancellation specifically referenced Dawkins\u2019 October 5, 2011, appearance on The O\u2019Reilly Factor, during which Dawkins\u2019 atheism was central to the conversation. Wyndgate thus denied use of its public accommodations entirely on the basis of religion.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis was to be an opportunity for friends to gather, enjoy each other\u2019s company, and hear from one of their favorite authors, an internationally renowned professor; but the Wyndgate opted to breach its contract simply because atheists would be taking part,\u201d said Steven Fox, Legal Director for CFI. \u201cIf this kind of discrimination was directed at any religious group there would rightfully be no end to the outrage. The fact that the victims are nonbelievers makes it just as wrong, just as unacceptable, and just as unconstitutional\u2014and we will not let it stand.\u201d<\/p>\n
Since filing suit, the case has been featured in media coverage by such outlets as The Detroit News, The Oakland Press, MLive, and WJR\u2019s Frank Beckman Show.<\/p>\n
Read the full complaint here.<\/a><\/p>\n * * *<\/p>\n The Center for Inquiry (CFI) is a nonprofit educational, advocacy, and research organization based in Amherst, New York; it is also home to both the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and the Council for Secular Humanism. The mission of CFI is to foster a secular society based on science, reason, freedom of inquiry, and humanist values. CFI\u2018s web address is www.centerforinquiry.net.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" On April 30, 2012, the Center for Inquiry (CFI) filed suit against a Michigan country club for religious discrimination and breach of contract after the club cancelled an event because of the attendees\u2019 lack of religious beliefs. CFI is … Continue reading