School Policy Allowing Bible Distribution Ruled Unconstitutional

A federal judge has ruled a Missouri school district's policy permitting Bible distribution unconstitutional, but an attorney representing the district has vowed to appeal.

The case against the South Iron School District was filed two years ago by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of four sets of parents who are Christian. An appeals court ordered the district last August to temporarily halt the handout of Bibles to fifth graders by Gideons International, known for its widespread distribution of the Holy Book in hotels nationwide.

The school district in Annapolis then altered its open access policy, permitting Gideons and other groups – including the Red Cross, Missouri Water Patrol, and Girl Scouts – to give away Bibles or other literature before or after school or during lunch, but not in classrooms.

But U.S. District Judge Catherine Perry ruled Tuesday that both practices violated the Establishment Clause and granted a permanent injunction against any Bible distributors.

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.