(courtesy of the most recent Sports Illustrated) I can't remember which town in Pennsylvania it is, but the local YMCA is having to look for security for their September 7th triathlon after the local fire/police department decided to boycott because they feel the YMCA promotes witchcraft by hosting Harry Potter readings. Idiots. Regardless of the fact that these guys and gals are morons, wouldn't this be a case of discrimination? The first amendment says that you have the freedom of religion, and if a government entity refuses to do its job because they feel someone is promoting a certain religion, wouldn't that be a violation?
I think it is legal, because when police officers provide security it's almost always an after-hours gig for them. For example, they aren't legally bound to direct traffic in front of the Randall's, they do it because Randall's hires them to do it and the officers volunteer so they can make a little extra cash. However, say a brawl breaks out at this triathalon -- the police ARE legally required to show up and restore order. That said, it's downright bizarre to boycott based on a children's book.
I am constantly amazed by the depths to which the human mind may sink. I would love to sit down and discuss that decision with those that felt they were doing the right thing, but my stomach has always been a little weak when having to digest the musings of morons.
Only if the boycott was an official act of the department. If the individual officers/firefighters choose to do the boycott individually, then I am not sure that they are acting as representatives of the government.
My two cents. If its an individual cops decision to boycott as working security detail and they're doing it en masse.... Its their first amendment right to avoid evil areas under religious freedom. Now if violence happens they would be required to come.
