The curious case of Kiryas Joel: Is New York harboring a mini-theocracy?

[[deleted user]]

There are no theocracies in America, right? After all, we have constitutionally mandated separation of religion and government. Perhaps not. A village in New York called Kiryas Joel appears to be going right up to the line – and perhaps lurching over it.

More here: http://www.secularnewsdaily.com/2011/...

[MadgeUK]

As the article says, this would not be tolerated if Muslims tried to impose similar rules. If it can happen in New York, it can happen anywhere unless the authorities can put a stop to it - but perhaps it is what some folks call 'freedom'. I would be great fun though if someone set up an uber-tolerant enclave right alongside this one where men and women could wear next to nothing and do all sort of other non-religious naughty things!

[[deleted user]]

MadgeUK wrote: "As the article says, this would not be tolerated if Muslims tried to impose similar rules. If it can happen in New York, it can happen anywhere unless the authorities can put a stop to it - but pe..."

An atheist nudist colony right next door! How great would that be?

[MadgeUK]

I often wonder why religious people object so much to nudity given that bodies are supposedly 'god-given' and clothes aren't! But I guess it was Eve's fault for eating that blessed apple - without her 'transgression' we would all be going around naked.