Orlando, FL - Liberty Counsel has sent two separate demand letters to housing authorities subsidized by the Department of Housing and Urban Development demanding that they reverse their positions regarding Christmas.

Winter Park, FL - The Housing Resource Development Corporation has informed its senior citizens that they may not sing Christmas carols. Residents have also been told that they may not have outside religious groups or churches sing Christmas carols in the facility. Representing one of the residents, Liberty Counsel sent a demand letter stating that the housing authority is violating the Federal Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 3601 et seq, which prohibits religious discrimination. Prohibiting residents from singing Christmas carols will subject the facility to legal action. Violations are punishable by monetary damages, along with attorney's fees and costs.

Mechanicsburg, PA - Bethany Towers provides housing to low-income seniors and persons with disabilities. Residents have been informed that they may not have any religious decorations in the main lobby or in the day rooms on each floor, where they congregate and meet, and may not have any religious symbols on the exterior portion of their own rooms. Throughout the year, residents decorate the exterior of their entry doors with cards and stuffed animals, but this year they have been told that they may not have religious Christmas decorations. Liberty Counsel has requested an immediate reversal of the decision.

Mathew D. Staver, President and General Counsel of Liberty Counsel, stated: "Some of these elderly citizens and persons with disabilities will celebrate their final Christmas in these housing facilities. It is unthinkable that these housing authorities would rob the elderly and the dependent residents of their joy in celebrating Christmas. It is hard to imagine what these officials are thinking when they tell senior citizens that they may not celebrate Christmas, and then in the same breath, seek to justify their discrimination on the basis of inclusion. Forbidding these senior and dependent residents from celebrating Christmas is the most exclusionary act imaginable."

Equal Access Means Equal Treatment

Our informative Equal Access booklet explains the current law regarding the use of public facilities, including schools, libraries and parks. Religious groups have the same right to meet in public facilities as secular groups. Students have the right to equal access for their student-led clubs on public school campuses. Order your copy of Equal Access in our online store or call 1-800-671-1776.

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