CS INDY – Weinstein targets Gazette

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Weinstein targets Gazette

The Gazette got a wake-up call this week, and the threat of a lawsuit, when the lawyer for military religion watchdog Mikey Weinstein issued a warning over Wayne Laugesen’s criticism of Weinstein in a Jan. 23 editorial.

At issue is Weinstein’s push to stop retired Marine 1st Lt. Clebe McClary from speaking at a National Prayer Luncheon at the Air Force Academy on Feb. 10. McClary has said he serves “the Lord’s Army,” and that the USMC for him means U.S. Marines for Christ.

Weinstein filed a federal lawsuit to block McClary’s participation, alleging it violates the Constitution’s establishment of religion clause. Judge Christine M. Arguello was to make a ruling Wednesday.

Laugesen’s editorial scolded Weinstein for attempting to infringe on free-speech rights, and said Weinstein opposed McClary’s appearance “because he is Christian.”

“That is false, and I have no doubt Mr. Laugesen and the Gazette know it full well,” Dallas attorney Randal Mathis writes to publisher Steve Pope, adding that “publishing the statement is obviously calculated to offend, scare, and potentially mislead to the point of inciting unstable people.” Mathis makes it clear his letter is a precursor to a lawsuit. Pope declined a request for comment.— PZ