Decatur County, IN — A national group is protesting baptisms offered by the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office in the county detention center.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation called on former Sheriff Dave Durant to stop the ceremonies, saying they violate the First Amendment.
The issue came to light when photos were posted to the sheriff’s office’s Facebook page late last month showing inmates being baptized in the jail.
The post says “nearly 300 men and women have given their life to Jesus Christ while incarcerated at the Decatur County Detention Center. All Glory to GOD!”
The organization’s attorney says the government is prohibited from taking action that advances, shows a preference for, or coerces individuals to participate in religion.
The foundation says former Sheriff Durant opened the office to legal action and called for the ceremonies to stop.
According to the group’s attorney, they reached out to Durant last July in an effort to halt the baptisms.
Durant has not commented on the complaint.
Current Sheriff Bill Meyerrose, who took office on January 1, told WRBI News he has not seen the complaint and has no comment at this time.
The Madison, Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation has been active before in Southeastern Indiana.
The group also protested the Franklin County Courthouse Nativity Scene back in 2014.
