Judge orders city to allow atheist's 'reason station'

WARREN (AP) — A federal judge has ordered the city of Warren to allow an atheist man to set up an informational booth similar to those run by churches.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Hluchaniuk ruled this week that everyone should have the same access to city hall.

Since the facility welcomes prayer stations, he said the proposed “reason station” also must be allowed to operate on the same terms.

The Detroit Free Press reports a lawsuit was filed on behalf of Warren resident Douglas Marshall last summer after his request to set up a reason station in city hall was denied.

Mayor James Fouts rejected the application because he feared it could create conflict in city hall.

The city also must pay the American Civil Liberties Union $100,000 for costs and attorney fees.