New York Investigates Skating Rink for Playing Christian Music

Traditional Values Coalition ^ | June 21, 2006 | TVC

[fight_truth_decay]

TVC ASKS PATAKI TO STOP HARASSMENT

June 21, 2006 - Washington, DC – The Traditional Values Coalition asked New York Governor George Pataki to rein in a state agency which is threatening legal action against an Accord, New York skating rink because it plays Christian music during a “Christian Music Skate” party.

The New York Division of Human Rights threatened Len and Terry Bernardo, owners of the Skate Time 209 rink in Accord, with an investigation because the rink plays Christian music during certain hours. The agency also threatened to charge a local newspaper which advertised the event for “aiding and abetting” unlawful discrimination.

“This is crazy,” said TVC Chairman Rev. Louis P. Sheldon. “These people are exercising basic Constitutional rights on private property to the exclusion of no one and the state government is treating them like dangerous criminals.

“Aiding and abetting? It is the responsibility of every citizen to aid and abet the free exercise of religion, free speech, the right to assemble and private property rights.

“New Yorkers have never been intimidated by international thugs and terrorists and they should not tolerate this bureaucratic attempt to violate their most basic civil rights.

“I have asked Governor Pataki to take authority over this illegal attempt to manipulate the law to accomplish a violation of basic civil rights. I will be watching closely to see that the Bernardos’ rights are protected.”

[martin gibson]

Are they going to start investigating churchs' use of hate speech for mentioning Christ during services?

I honestly believe you can count on that. It is only a matter of time...

[zeke15]

DWYANE, not Dwayne...you're making too much sense!

[P-Marlowe]

The section of the New York State law cited by Division of Human Rights General Counsel Gina M. Lopez Summa deals with those who “refuse, withhold from or deny” access to someone.

I wonder when they will start to go after Muffler shops and Flower shops that have fishes in their windows or in their Yellow Page ads?

I also wonder if and when they are going to go after the IPODs of Government workers to ensure that when they are digging ditches for the government that they are not listening to Christian music.

[rep-always]

I know. That was so great.

[Skooz]

I have no doubt. None whatsoever.

[P-Marlowe]

Christians will be the New Jews.

But Episcopalians should be safe.

[Lazamataz]

But Episcopalians should be safe.

No, according to South Park, the Mormons are the One True Religion.

[reagan_fanatic]

What a bunch of GARBAGE!!!

My Church rents out a local skating rink periodically and we do the same thing. Are the anti-religion nazis going to come after us now!!?

I swear these people are mentally deranged and need to be institutionalized.

[fight_truth_decay]

It would be interesing to know the names of those who made the complaint.

I agree. That is the unanswered question on this story. Who complained to the state. I would hope this story might get picked up by the media..and that would be the first question asked. After all, Christian rock/contemporary music was only played per website information on Sunday afternoons.

[BaBaStooey]

You know, if someone advertised a "Christian Music Skating Party" and then didn't play Christian music, they should be sued for false advertising.

[fight_truth_decay]

I need to know if I should turn myself in to the authorities!

;) You already have.

[BJungNan]

There is more religious freedom in China. You think I joke. If this story is any measure, then it is true. Silent Night is played in my government owned places, over the government owned radio stations at Christmas.

[xzins]

Actually, you raise a good point. Would the secularists be smart enough to use our internal divisions against us?

[fight_truth_decay]

Silent Night is played in my government owned places, over the government owned radio stations at Christmas.

Interesting!

[fight_truth_decay]

UPDATE: Rec'd today

Thursday 22nd of June 2006 04:03:06 AM PDT

---

Skate Rink Warned Against ‘Christian’ Skate Time
June 22, 2006 – A skating rink in Accord, New York has been warned by the State of New York’s Division of Human Rights against having a Christian skate time on Sunday afternoons.

The owners of Skate Time 209, Len and Terry Bernardo recently received a stern letter from the human rights office warning that having a “Christian” skate time violates Human Rights Law 296.2. The law says that no business can discriminate against a person because of race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, etc.

Human Rights official Gina Lopez told the Bernardo’s that their Christian skate time “apparently denies or at a minimum, discourages non-Christian patronage” and “constitutes prima facie violation” of the Human Rights Law. Lopez has given them ten days to respond to the charges.

Lopez has also sent the same letter to the Ulster Country Press because they advertised Skate Time 209’s Christian skate time. The newspaper is also under threat of legal action by the state because they published the ad.

In addition, the Bernardo’s received an anonymous email from someone warning them “Get a lawyer.”

TVC has issued a press release on this case and has sent a letter of concern to New York Governor George Pataki over this outrageous violation of religious freedom and free speech. In the release, Rev. Sheldon notes: “This is crazy. These people are exercising basic Constitutional rights on private property to the exclusion of no one and the state government is treating them like dangerous criminals. … I have asked Governor Pataki to take authority over this illegal attempt to manipulate the law to accomplish a violation of basic civil rights. I will be watching closely to see that the Bernardo’s rights are protected.”

In his letter to Governor Pataki, Rev. Sheldon asked him: “Governor, please take action immediately to halt this action against the Bernardo’s and to reassure all New Yorkers that their First Amendment right to the free exercise of their religious beliefs and other rights related to private property and the right to assemble are not in jeopardy.”

Christian news outlets should contact the Bernardo’s to let them tell their story and Christian legal defense teams should take this case. Contact information: Len and Terry Bernardo, Skate Time 209; PO Box 590; 5164 Route 209; Accord, New York 12404; 845-626-7971; fax: 845-626-2548.

[BJungNan]

Interesting!

And True. And two department stores in Shanghai compete over the most elaborate Christmas displays for the front of their buildings. Both are four stories high and included in the displays is a nativity scene.

Obviously a secular exmple, but an example of how "all-out" the stores go over the Christmas holiday in China.

[BJungNan]

Christians in Beijing, China, worshipped at registered churches.

[Sam's Army]

bump

[ARA]

I just called the NYDHR and asked to speak to Ms. Lopez who is conveniently on vacation. I asked them if it was Muslim Skate time, would they be investigating this and there was a long pause. and the answer was "I don't know."

People need to keep the heat on these people... Not only for Christians but for all Americans. This is incredulous.

C

[TheCrusader]

"Their persecutions will not get the reaction they expect. Tough times tend to raise up more saints, and Christ's Church will always prevail."

Absolutely true..... and AMEN.