Atheist Group’s Suit Against Foster Care, Detention Facility Dismissed

Freedom From Religion Foundation lawsuit against Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch dismissed

An update from a previous This Week’s Top Scrooge reported in June of last year is good news for a successful youth program that includes foster care.

This from the WashingtonPost.com:

BISMARCK, N.D. — A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by atheists and agnostics that challenged the state’s sending of children and money to the church-affiliated Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch.

U.S. District Judge Dan Hovland did not address the plaintiffs’ contention that public money is used to indoctrinate children with religion and the state agencies’ referrals to the ranch are unconstitutional.

Instead, the judge said the Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation and five North Dakota taxpayers who are members of the group have no right to sue.

“The payment of taxes is generally not enough to establish standing to challenge an action by the state or county government,” the judge said in his ruling Wednesday.