New city policy on religious expression raises concern

[Quetzal]

New city policy on religious expression raises concern

New guidelines on religious expression in the workplace allow city employees to distribute religious pamphlets and express religious beliefs on city property in their off hours.

In an attempt to clarify the handling of religious expression by city employees, the new guidelines state that "employees have a right to freely express their religious beliefs in the workplace as long as such expression does not unreasonably interfere with work requirements, harass other employees, or confuse a reasonable observer (in places open to the public) into believing the employer is endorsing religion."

The guidelines are the result of a complaint and subsequent lawsuit by Kelly Jenkins, a Calvary Chapel member who wanted to distribute church announcements and maps to the church in a city break room.

Kelly's attorney, James Hochberg, indicated yesterday his client was pleased with the decision.

more...

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2004/May/05/ln/ln01a.html

So could an employee spread anti-gay messages during his/her off hours on city property?

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. Yes, if

there were a church or other religious organization backing it....or at least that's my take on the ruling. They could also distribute literature explaining that women should only wear dresses and stay at home, subservient to their husbands, and never take any form of birth control. Bad news all around, imho.

[The Backlash Cometh]

2. This is going to escalate.

They won't be satisified that you fend off their advances. They will then call it religious intolerance and discrimination if you don't readily concede to their witnessing, and worse, if they get fired, they will use examples of when you said, "No, thank you, I'm not interested, " as evidence that you are religiously intolerant.

[KamaAina]

3. As far as I'm concerned, repetitive proselytizing = harassment

There are limits to how often creditors can bug you. Why not fundies? Most of 'em look and act like used-car salesmen anyway. :-)

So could an employee spread anti-gay messages during his/her off hours on city property?

City Councilreptile -- and now Congressional candidate :scared: -- Mike Gabbard spreads anti-gay messages during his on hours on city property. I don't see anyone making him stop.

a Calvary Chapel member who wanted to distribute church announcements and maps to the church in a city break room

Maps to Calvary Chapel?! It's right on the corner of Beretania and Nu'uanu, right downtown, for Koresh' sake! How dumb can these people possibly be? Oh, wait a minute, I think I just answered my own question...

[The Sushi Bandit]

4. I'm Outraged!

Who issued the "Guidelines"???

Did the case go to trial???