Humanist group criticizes city of Beebe for religious music on July 4th

A Washington, D.C.-based humanist group is asking that the city of Beebe refrain from having a religious musical group participate in the city’s July 4 celebration.

The American Humanist Association sent its objections to Beebe Mayor Mike Robertson Thursday (June 2), calling the mayor’s action an “unconstitutional promotion of Christianity” in a press release about a letter discussing the Independence Day event.

The mayor noted in his letter to Beebe citizens that the concert was to “celebrate the Christian message” The Christian music group, the Bowling Family, is scheduled to perform at the July 4 event.

“They feel privileged and honored to enjoy the freedom to honor Christ with any and all of their abilities,” Mayor Robertson said in the letter of the Bowling Family.

David Niose, the group’s legal director, said he believed the mayor’s actions were wrong.

“The mayor, who is representing government, should not be promoting a particular religious belief,” Niose said, noting a local resident complained to the group.

In the letter sent to city officials, the group is asking for two things.

“The purpose of this letter is two-fold. First, pursuant to applicable freedom of information law, we request copies of all documents, correspondences and emails relating to the Gospel musicians referenced in your letter being hired or retained for the Fourth of July event in question. This would include communications relating to payment terms, contracts, negotiation correspondences and any other documents relating in any way to their (there) being invited for the planned appearance,” the letter noted.

“Second, we would like to suggest that your office refrain from actions, such as those evident in your letter, overtly endorsing or favoring Christianity. Not all citizens of Beebe are Christian, and it is simply inappropriate to use taxpayer resources to sponsor a city event featuring musicians whose messages whose message are purpose are, as you admit in your own words, unquestionably intended to promote Christianity.”

The group is also asking that the concert be moved to a church or a private venue, with the city ending its sponsorship of the event.

Robertson was out of the office Thursday. Multiple attempts to reach him there and by email were not successful.