A Stitch in Haste

Remind me again why local hack politicians are so much better than "activist" judges?

Two aldermen [in White House, Tennessee] say league and tournament games should be banned in the municipal park on Sunday mornings for religious reasons.

Alderman Darrell Leftwich wants organized games in White House Municipal Park to be restricted to the 1-4:30 p.m. period on Sundays.

"I am concerned that we are not sending the right message to the community by having tournaments and league play during worship hours," Leftwich said.
...
"God our Father intended the seventh day to be one of rest and worship," Leftwich said during a recent city board meeting.
...
Alderman Farris Bibb Jr. said the city should look into the matter further. "With all due respect to Alderman Leftwich, the seventh day of the week is Saturday," Bibb said.

Talk about "God in the public square."

Even if you argue that closing a park on Sunday mornings is a content-neutral restriction that does not "establish" a government religion, such a ban still fails rational basis review: There is no legitimate state interest in telling an atheist, or Jew, or Buddhist or any other non-Christian, that he can't use a park on Sunday mornings because it offends the Christians down the street.

Alcohol restrictions, sure. Noise restrictions, sure. Unleashed dog restrictions, sure. But "no nuttin' never" restrictions to stroke the (supposedly) Christian egos of some local hack politicians?

I believe the "What would Jesus do?" response is found at Mark 10:14.

Hat tip to Fark.