On
April 30, 2012, the Center for Inquiry (CFI) filed suit against a
Michigan country club for religious discrimination and breach of
contract after the club cancelled an event because of the attendees’
lack of religious beliefs.
CFI is charging the Wyndgate
Country Club in Rochester Hills, Michigan, and its owner with violation
of the Civil Rights Act and with breaking its contract with CFI’s
Michigan branch. The Wyndgate cancelled a scheduled CFI–Michigan event
to be held October 12, 2011, that would have included an address by
Richard Dawkins.
The Wyndgate justified breaking
its contract by stating that “the owner does not wish to associate with
certain individuals and philosophies,” referring to the “philosophies”
of Professor Dawkins and other nonbelievers. The expressed reasoning for
the cancellation specifically referenced Dawkins’ October 5, 2011,
appearance on The O’Reilly Factor, during which Dawkins’ atheism was
central to the conversation. Wyndgate thus denied use of its public
accommodations entirely on the basis of religion.
“This was to be an opportunity for
friends to gather, enjoy each other’s company, and hear from one of
their favorite authors, an internationally renowned professor; but the
Wyndgate opted to breach its contract simply because atheists would be
taking part,” said Steven Fox, Legal Director for CFI. “If this kind of
discrimination was directed at any religious group there would
rightfully be no end to the outrage. The fact that the victims are
nonbelievers makes it just as wrong, just as unacceptable, and just as
unconstitutional—and we will not let it stand.”
Since filing suit, the case has been featured in media coverage by such outlets as The Detroit News, The Oakland Press, MLive, and WJR’s Frank Beckman Show.
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