Catholics who are housed in a state facility for treatment of some kind of malady have rights, too. Ditto for inmates. Yet it often occurs that a two-track discriminatory policy is at work.
We treat their issues just like everyone else, which means we first decide whether this is a matter for the Catholic League. If it is, we then investigate the case to see if what is reported is accurate. It may then be time for action.
Such an incident recently arose in Rockland County, New York. We learned that at the Blaisdell Alcoholic Treatment Unit at the Rockland Psychiatric Center in Rockland County, New York, that they have a dual system of religious privileges. It seems that Protestants can attend church services but Catholics cannot. Indeed, Catholics are also barred from attending to the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
If this case points out nothing else, it proves that there are bigots so bold as to think they can bully their way through life and win.
We have sought to resolve this matter not simply by ensuring rights for Catholics, but by requesting that disciplinary action be taken against the guilty party. Our objective—one rule for all—is constitutionally and morally valid. We don’t expect to lose.
