Politics

Warren Mayor Says City Scored Victories in Battle With Atheists Over Prayer Station

February 26, 2015, 9:34 AM by  Allan Lengel

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The American Civil Liberties Union declared victory earlier this week when a federal judge in Detroit approved a settlement with the city of Warren that allows  atheists to set up a "reason station" in city hall touting secular life.

The request from the atheist group came in response to an existing prayer station inside city hall.

On Thursday, Warren Mayor James R. Fouts, who opposed the reason station, told Deadline Detroit that he felt the city of Warren scored some victories in federal court that were overlooked in the media.

For one, he said, the prayer station was able to remain even though the atheists wanted it gone. He said the city will also be able to display a nativity scene during the Christmas season, something else the atheists weren't crazy about. Plus, he said, while the atheist station will be on the same floor, it will not be right next to the prayer station as the atheists had requested.

Fouts said the court-approved settlement prevents the atheists from putting up a sign in city hall that said something to the effect that religion hardens the heart, Fouts said.

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Warren Mayor James Fouts

"I think overall we had some important victories," he said. "I  believe what we have today is peaceful co-existence."

Fouts said he had been concerned that the atheists would create tension in city hall, and their booth would try to disparage the prayer booth.

"I didn't want anyone disparaging any group," he said. "I am a strong believer in diversity."

"I'm the most open mayor in the history of Warren in terms of diversity," he said.

 



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