ATHEIST GROUP SUES TO STOP BLESSING OF ANIMALS AT SHELTER
An atheist group isn't feeling warm and fuzzy about an annual blessing of the animals at a New Jersey shelter, and is suing to try to stop the tradition, according to NJ.com.
American Atheists Inc. claims in their federal lawsuit that the blessing of the animals at the Bergen County Animal Shelter by a Catholic priest violates the First and Fourth amendments. Since the shelter is run by the county’s Department of Health Services and receives money from the state, the lawsuit charges it's using government resources to promote religious ceremonies.
The annual event, which was held last month, is meant to honor Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals in Catholic tradition.
(Pulse Networks)