Georgia mall stops women from praying, no prayer at the Food Court either
A Georgia Mall’s ban on public prayer has stirred the community
Praying Hands (Betende Hände) by Albrecht Dürer
“The security guard came running toward us and said, ‘You are not allowed to pray at the mall. That’s against the policy,’” Tammy Brantley told Todd Starnes of Fox News in an Aug. 5 report.
“I told him we’ve been praying since last November and no one said anything about it,” she said. “We’ve never had any problems.”
The guard and ladies went back and forth over the issue befure getting the mall manager who confirmed the mall’s policy.
“The mall manager verified that prayer is not allowed at the mall because this is private property,” Brantley said before addressing prayer at the Food Court.
“I said, sir, are you saying that people who eat in the food court can’t bow their heads and pray?” she said. “He said, ‘No ma’am.’ That’s exactly what he said.”
Tammy posted her story on Facebook which led to a local reporter covering the story and now Fox News.
Reportedly the women were in violation of Dublin Mall’s Code of Conduct, which prohibits “disorderly conduct, or other disturbances which disrupt or endanger any patrons, guest, merchant or employee in the shopping center.”
John Engler, vice president of MCK Properties, released a statement earlier this week claiming that the shopping center is not opposed to religious expression.
“The mall first and foremost has no issues or objection whatsoever with anyone of any religion denomination privately and quietly praying over [their] food before they eat,” said Engler.
“The Dublin Mall and the management are not opposed to prayer or any religious affiliations which has also been stated in the last week; however, these practices should be done in the appropriate locations under the appropriate laws and confines with-in Dublin or anywhere in the state of Georgia.”
Engler also stated that “the mall is impressed with the passion the community has displayed in its religious conviction.”
“The Dublin Mall does not have a problem with people who privately pray or show devotion for their religion, but the mall does have a duty to the community to provide a shopping experience which is conducive to all who walk through its doors,” said Engler.
