Faith-based sentencing program delayed as Bay Minette weighs legal issues

[brooklynite]

From the Press-Register:

BAY MINETTE, Alabama -- Implementation of a church-based alternative sentencing plan in Bay Minette that has drawn national attention will be delayed for several weeks while lawyers give it another once-over to make sure there are no legal issues, according to the Police Chief Michael Rowland.

On Monday, the American Civil Liberties Union of Alabama sent a letter to city leaders demanding an immediate end to the program that they say "flagrantly" violates the state and U.S. constitutions regarding separation of church and state. The letter also requested public records on the program’s development and creation.

"It’s good to hear they are delaying implementation," said Alabama ACLU executive director Olivia Turner.

...snip...

"We are just simply running it back through for final legal review and a final stamp of approval by the city attorney," Rowland said. "If he gives us that, then we’re going to move forward with it on the next court day, which will be Oct. 11. And I believe that’s going to happen," he said.

Let us know how that review works out for you...