Residents of one Northwest Florida town are pulling together to take a stand against the ACLU.
Robert Smith helped organize a defense fund for three Santa Rosa County school employees, after they were charged with defying a federal judge's order against prayer in schools.
On August 27, 2008, the ACLU filed a complaint in U.S. Federal Court that alleged that the rights of two minors had been violated in that the School Board, School Superintendent and Frank Lay, Principal of Pace High School, were forcing their religious beliefs on the minors.
Then in January, the court issued a preliminary injunction that called for school employees cease all practices that advance religion. Three weeks later, the complaint alleges Lay asked Robert Freeman to bless the food at the dedication of a new field house at Pace High School. Criminal charges have now been brought against both for this incident.
"I can't believe we are sitting here today and talking about this in America," said Smith, from his Milton Insurance office. "So far, our defense fund has raised close to $13,000."
Smith said the money is coming from all over the world. Tuesday he shared emails from people that have sent money from Texas, Denmark, Oklahoma and Georgia.
The money will be used to pay legal fees as the case heads to federal court.
Supports for Frank Lay and Pace High School Athletic Director Robert Freeman are selling shirts, stickers and yard signs to help support the fight.
"The shirts say, 'Frankly, we're standing against the ACLU,'" said Smith.
All over town, signs supporting prayer in school litter lawns and dot roadways. One resident gave a thumbs ups when asked about the sign in his yard.
"We're fighting this fight not just for what is happening in Santa Rosa County, but all over," said Smith. "This isn't just about today, but 10, 15, 20 years from now."
August 21st, supporters are planning a peaceful demonstration outside the Federal Courthouse in Pensacola. That's when Michelle Winkler will appear before U.S. District Court Judge Casey Rodgers for a civil contempt hearing.
"We are also planning a concert dinner benefit at the Farmer's Opry in Milton to help with Lay and Freeman's defense fund," said Smith.
For more information you can visit the group's website. -Fox 10 TV
Robert Smith helped organize a defense fund for three Santa Rosa County school employees, after they were charged with defying a federal judge's order against prayer in schools.
On August 27, 2008, the ACLU filed a complaint in U.S. Federal Court that alleged that the rights of two minors had been violated in that the School Board, School Superintendent and Frank Lay, Principal of Pace High School, were forcing their religious beliefs on the minors.
Then in January, the court issued a preliminary injunction that called for school employees cease all practices that advance religion. Three weeks later, the complaint alleges Lay asked Robert Freeman to bless the food at the dedication of a new field house at Pace High School. Criminal charges have now been brought against both for this incident.
"I can't believe we are sitting here today and talking about this in America," said Smith, from his Milton Insurance office. "So far, our defense fund has raised close to $13,000."
Smith said the money is coming from all over the world. Tuesday he shared emails from people that have sent money from Texas, Denmark, Oklahoma and Georgia.
The money will be used to pay legal fees as the case heads to federal court.
Supports for Frank Lay and Pace High School Athletic Director Robert Freeman are selling shirts, stickers and yard signs to help support the fight.
"The shirts say, 'Frankly, we're standing against the ACLU,'" said Smith.
All over town, signs supporting prayer in school litter lawns and dot roadways. One resident gave a thumbs ups when asked about the sign in his yard.
"We're fighting this fight not just for what is happening in Santa Rosa County, but all over," said Smith. "This isn't just about today, but 10, 15, 20 years from now."
August 21st, supporters are planning a peaceful demonstration outside the Federal Courthouse in Pensacola. That's when Michelle Winkler will appear before U.S. District Court Judge Casey Rodgers for a civil contempt hearing.
"We are also planning a concert dinner benefit at the Farmer's Opry in Milton to help with Lay and Freeman's defense fund," said Smith.
For more information you can visit the group's website. -Fox 10 TV
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