Client Told to Remove the Word "Christian" from Advertisement

By 

Jay Sekulow

|
June 25, 2011

2 min read

Free Speech

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Our Senior Counsel for the Northeast region, Vince McCarthy, is representing owners of a skating rink who have been contacted by the New York Division of Human Rights.  The New York Division of Human Rights has accused our client of discriminatory conduct because they advertised for a Christian skating night.  The idea, of course, was to play Christian music during this special event.  The event was open to the entire community, where Christians and non-Christians were welcome.  The New York Division of Human Rights said that an advertisement that our client took out in the Ulster County Press was in violation of the states human rights laws.  Specifically, they asked for a written response to the complaint within ten days. 

 

Vince McCarthy issued a letter stating our legal position.  The word Christian should not be deemed to be off limits or illegal.  No patron of Skate Time had ever been refused entry because of their religious beliefs, heritage or creed, nor would they ever be excluded for such a reason.  Our clients merely intended to advertise a popular genre of music, similar to other skate events they had held such as Country Music Night and Disco Night.  We made it clear that no person had ever been excluded from the premises because of their religious beliefs.  We have asked the New York State Human Rights Board to close the inquiry, and we will keep you posted.