Should businesses which operate in public facilities discriminate on the basis of religion? That question is being raised by a man who says that he was denied a discount at a minor league baseball game which was promoting "Church Bulletin" night.

Web Posted: April 23, 1998

Pennsylvania state-church separationist has complained to the Maryland Commission of Human Relations about a "church bulletin" promotion sponsored by the Hagerstown Suns Baseball Club, a Class A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. The complaint in the form of a "Charge of Discrimination" stems from an April 12, 1998 incident when the man says that he took his family to the Hagerstown Municipal Stadium for a Suns game. On that day, the club was having one of its promotional activities known as "Church Bulletin" day, which allows a family of up to six persons with a church bulletin into the park for $6.00.

    "I informed the ticket clerk that 'I'm not religious, I don't have a church bulletin,'" said the man. He was then informed that without the bulletin, he would be required to pay the full price. "I believe this practice to be discriminatory and a violation of my civil rights."

    Thus far, the story has been picked up by wire services and the net, although the man involved is not being identified. AANEWS did contact this individual, though (we'll refer to him as "Karl"), who told us that in his opinion, the practice is clearly discriminatory.

    "Imagine if they had a 'white' night where a family of up to six white people got in for $6.00, but others had to pay a higher price," noted "Karl." He also wondered if the stadium authorities would accept a "bulletin" or similar document from a family which attended the local synagogue.

    The Hagerstown Suns have put out a statement to the media outlining the essentials of the case. "Karl" is not identified by name. The club says that the "Church Bulletin promotion is an ongoing five-year promotion." General Manager David Blenckstone mused, "It goes without saying that it has never been our intention to discriminate against anyone and I do not believe that we have done so in this case." He defended the policy, insisting "We have never required fans to have a religious affiliation to receive our special Sunday discount. We only ask that they provide a Church bulletin." He added that the club would comply, though, with any ruling from the State of Maryland.

    The club could be fined up to $500 if found to be in violation of anti- discrimination laws.

    "Karl" says that before heading for the game, "I refreshed my memory about the Civil Rights Act provisions against religious discrimination by 'public accommodations' and printed a copy of it." He adds that when he and his family were refused admission to the park at the "Church Bulletin" discount rate, he produced the copy of the Act.

    "A couple of minutes later a young guy arrived, and I introduced myself and told him the story. He clearly did not understand the concept of 'public accommodation'... he equated the promotion to clipping a coupon."

    "Karl" told AANEWS that several legal issues are involved. "It's a public stadium that was built with taxpayer money," he noted. "The Civil Rights Acts specifically mentions athletic teams and stadiums as 'public accommodations." He added that the Suns team has been attempting to obtain state and local funding for a new stadium. "Karl" also told us that his desire for anonymity was temporary. "I have other things going on right now, and I don't want to be pestered by the wackos who are sure to start calling when word of this gets out." He added that next week he expected to "go public" and discuss the case further.

    "Karl" said that nearly a dozen minor league teams across the country currently host a "Church Bulletin" night or something approximating it.

    "There are plenty of legal problems here. Would they accept a 'bulletin' from every church? And how would people react if they promoted an 'atheist night' at the stadium?"

   There is one final irony in this story, according to "Karl." Maryland State Delegate John Donaghue was quoted in a media statement from the Suns Baseball Club. "The fact is that most families in this area worship on Sundays," he said. "I cannot think of a better way to allow a family a reasonably priced afternoon of fun than to offer the church bulletin family promotion." He then told "the gentlemen who filed the ridiculous charge of discrimination" to "stay home."

   "That's interesting," "Karl" told AANEWS. "When I was there for 'Church Bulletin' night, the stadium was practically empty. I wonder how many people are really going to church!"

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