Offenders in Alabama can be sentenced to attend church as an alternative to jail, according to this article.
Whatever happened to the separation of church and state? And how can they suggest that belief in God makes you more moral?
Or have I missed something, and did this originate in The Onion?
9 COMMENTS:
It's amazing how much leeway judges in America have over imposing judicial punishment - I mean it's like the judge who makes those convicted parade around with a sign saying what their crime is etc. I think state and religion are as intertwined as ever even if ideally they truly shouldn't be!
Be interesting to see what those sentenced with this choice would prefer!
Take care
x
Sleeping in a pew for an hour a week = the life-altering consequences of being incarcerated away from family, work and recreation?
And the offender has to go to a church that's signed up? And it has to be a church? Not synogogue or mosque or yoga class?
Sometimes I'm embarrassed to admit I'm Texan or American to my buddies who aren't.
Old Kitty, I'm with you about the leeway judges have here. I just don't get it.
Wow. So many things wrong with that idea.
I read the title in the link on my blog, and leapt to the conclusion you were talking about good places to think about your novel. I was all set to come here and say, "Baths are good too!"
I'll slink away now.
Intersting idea. I wonder which demomination would want them?
Kitty, despite my aversion to it, I'd take weekly church over being in jail any day!
Phoenix, exactly. I could sit and crochet quietly at the back... It does seem very strange.
stacy, agreed!
Lexi, now that makes so much more sense! I think I'd prefer to think about my novel as I walk into town, though, not as I languish in jail!
Nick, good point! I guess the more pushy denominations that think they could win them over if they have them for a year.
Much as I love the USA, stories like this - and there are plenty - leave me utterly bemused. A country of such contrasts.
Reminds me of the judge who offered a few rapists castration instead of incarceration. Hah! They went to jail.
Church is the state in the Deep South here. At least they like to think so.
Simon, it's very puzzling to me too.
Sarah, well castration is a bit worse than church attendance! I thought Church and State were separate but apparently not so.
Post a Comment
The comments are the best part of this blog, so please do join in.