Freedom From Religion Folks Threaten La Crosse Homeless Shelter

This is what I have to say about that. 

A national church-state separation group is pressuring La Crosse County to come up with a plan to ensure The Salvation Army does not coerce its shelter residents to participate in prayers or other religious observances.

Washington, D.C.-based Americans United for Separation of Church and State has given the county until mid-June to address allegations about The Salvation Army homeless shelter in La Crosse.

The group said it has received complaints “the Army regularly presents prayers and sermons at meals, and holds religious services” at the shelter.

In an April 13 letter to county officials, lawyers for Americans United wrote, “These complaints suggest that the contractual relationship may run afoul of constitutional principles, so we ask that you investigate the Army’s religious activities and remedy any legal violations.”

La Crosse County pays The Salvation Army $50,000 a year to provide homeless shelter services in La Crosse. The 65-bed shelter also serves several surrounding counties.