Richmond, VA – Caroline County is changing its recreational softball league policy after a Jewish resident was told he couldn't join because he didn't attend a church in the county.
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Richard Lieberman, 43, called the county parks and recreation department to get information on a softball team with players from his homeowners association.
But Lieberman, of Ruther Glen, was told that it was a church league and he must attend a church in to play.
When he replied that he is Jewish and there are no synagogues in Caroline County, he was told he could not play. He hung up in disbelief.
The response got him "fired up," so he contacted Wayne Acors, his district supervisor, and he showed up at the county supervisors' meeting and spoke before the board, stating the policy was a matter of the separation of church and state.
The board announced that the county would solve the problem.
While Lieberman said he is pleased the supervisors ordered the change, he said "It's surprising that in an area along the Interstate 95 corridor you have this." [nbc4]
I agree that if it’s a public league, then one must be allowed to join regardless of church affiliation.
My confusion is whether the league is truly public. After all, a group of shuls can get together, start a league and call it “The Brooklyn Softball League.” That doesn’t, however, make it a public league with the requirement for open attendance. IOW, just because it’s called “The Caroline County Softball League” doesn’t necessarily make it a “public” league.
The Wolf
As the article states, its the Caroline County softball league–so it’s a government agency & the “must attend church” rule violates the separation of church and state. You may think it’s trivial if you’re not interested in playing softball–but what if that requirement were attached to benefitting from other County services which are financed through the taxes of citizens like Mr. Lieberman–say, using the library?
I’m a bit confused here… is this a public league or a private league arranged by the member churches?
If it’s public, that’s one thing. But if it’s a private league, then the people in that league have a right of association and do not have to admit Jews or anyone else that they choose to exclude.
The Wolf
there are a few shuls in richmond, i’ve been there
I’m glad to see that this is the biggest problem in Richmond Virginia.
Nebach!