An city judge in Bay Minette, Alabama, has decided the first amendment doesn't apply to those convicted of non-violent misdemeanors. They created a program where offenders can go to church instead of jail.
There are so many things wrong with this that finding somewhere to begin is kind of daunting. First -- the name. "Operation Restore Our Community". Because forced worship is the best way to build community.
Second, if there are any non-Christian churches in this program, the language doesn't suggest it.
If offenders select church, they'll be allowed to pick the place of worship but must check in weekly with the pastor and police.
It says choice, but then it says:
So far, 56 churches are participating.
though I wasn't able to track down a list to see if that included anything other than Christian churches. All I did find was that The City of Bay Minette lists a meeting for the program in July, with no details, meeting at an area church.