Beginning this week, if you are convicted of a non-violent offense in Bay Minette, Alabama, you’ll have to choose between Jesus or jail. Operation ROC (Restore Our Community) will have the city judge offer anyone found of a misdemeanor the choice of jail and paying a fine or attending the church of their choice every week for a year.
Church every week for a year, People. My parents were devout-ish Catholics and we didn’t go to church every week. Sure, Christmas, Easter, when someone was being baptized…but every week? That’s harsh.
And get this, if the offender picks church, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee eternal salvation. Even if they choose church, they may still go to Hell. But if they complete the church-for-a-year program, their case may be dropped.
The Police Chief, Mike Rowland states:
Longevity is the key. A 30-day drug program doesn’t work. A 30-day alcohol program does not work. But long-term programs to do work, and we believe that’s what’ll happen here.”
And as long as there is a secular choice as well as a religious one, there should be no problem with separation of church and state. So, the question is, what would you choose?
Angie Uncovered
09/26/2011
Personally the option is a no-brainer, but does the option include other faiths as well? Also, if you already go to church every Sunday is there time served?
Jules
09/26/2011
Good question. I bet you’d have to still go for a year. Bastards.
Alyssha
09/26/2011
I think where it gets sticky is whether or not the church has to be approved by the Court. For instance, does bible study in the bar count? What if I file for tax-exempt status and we call it St. Ale the Redeemer? There’s too much grey area here, and if you try to draw a line it’s going to get uber-unconstitutional really quickly.
Jules
09/26/2011
Where is this Bible Study in a bar that you speak of? Perhaps I’d like to join…
The Sweetest
09/26/2011
Because Jesus saves, Jules.
Jules
09/26/2011
My bad. Totally forgot there for a moment. Geesh…
Mandy
09/26/2011
I’d go to the Buddhist temple every Sunday. It’d probably be good for me. Sorta makes me want to commit a crime.
Jules
09/26/2011
A MISDEMEANOR! In Alabama. Are there Buddhists in Alabama?
Dingo
10/08/2011
I’ll sit back with my popcorn and beer and wait for the constitutional challenge to this lovely new rehab program. But as for myself? I’d pick the strictest, holier-than-though church and wear my “This Is What A Feminist Looks Like” t-shirt every Sunday as I hand out my newsletter detailing the unholy goings-on of the other parishioners.