Idaho Examiner: Boise Lawsuit Threatens Religious Liberty "My Idaho...My Planet Rocks!"

A baseless lawsuit has been filed against the Boise Rescue Mission (BRM), consisting of unfounded allegations that somehow the Rescue Mission coerced residents into taking part in Christian-based religious activities.

First, the BRM doesn’t force anybody to do anything. Those who come for services are free to decline participation in worship activities by simply explaining to BRM staff why they choose not to. They are then invited to wait until the service is over and then are fed right along with everybody else.

Second, the BRM is a private charity on private property which takes no government funds, and the message of the gospel is central to its mission. It exists not just to feed the body but to enrich the soul. Since it is a private charity on private property, the BRM has the latitude to run their ministry as they see fit and should be able to do so free of intrusive interference from any branch of government.

Third, the suit recycles old charges which have already been thoroughly investigated and dismissed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Fourth, the suit is being filed in federal court, which should mean, if the Constitution were being followed in our court system, that the suit should be tossed before even being heard. The Constitution forbids any branch of the federal government from prohibiting the free exercise of religion, but this is exactly what these plaintiffs are seeking to do.

And fifth, the lawsuit reeks of ingratitude. Here are needy people who were offered, at no cost to themselves, food, shelter and spiritual sustenance and now in turn seek to bite off the hand that fed them.