Members of the group had twice applied to use the community room of the Woodland Park Library in late May and early June in order to “present a biblical perspective on marriage and homosexuality” that would include prayer and scripture reading. However, the library denied the requests because its policy stipulates that religious or political meetings “must provide a balanced view.”
Liberty Counsel President Mathew D. Staver called the policy “shamefully ridiculous” and commented, “This library policy would require the NAACP to invite the KKK to present its view on civil rights.” In the past several years, Staver has successfully argued cases against libraries in Texas, Florida, and Wisconsin for refusing to allow religious groups to meet.
Tom James, counsel for the library district, said in the June 17 Denver Rocky Mountain News that the library stood by its policy. “The district believes it has a reasonable and lawful policy to the use of its meeting rooms,” he said.
Posted June 17, 2005.