[NAGDU] churches??

Mon Sep 27 20:40:46 UTC 2021

I know this is off of the original topic but here is the information I found about taking service dogs to Mormon services and activities.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/disability-services-leaders/policies-and-guidelines/service-animals?lang=eng
Are service animals or other domestic animals allowed inside Church facilities?
Bishops and stake presidents may determine whether to allow individuals with disabilities to use trained service dogs in meetinghouses. Other types of animals, including emotional support animals (comfort pets), are generally not permitted in meetinghouses or at Church-sponsored events, except as specifically required by law. (In general in the United States, the Church is under no legal obligation to admit service dogs or emotional support animals to houses of worship.) Bishops and stake presidents make local decisions, taking into account the needs of individuals with disabilities and the needs of others in the congregation.

Service dogs and emotional support animals are not allowed in temples. Patrons with special needs are encouraged to attend the temple with family members or friends who can assist them as needed. Temple workers are also available to assist members while at the temple. Priesthood leaders may contact the Temple Department with questions.

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Michael Hingson via NAGDU
Sent: Monday, September 27, 2021 4:25 PM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users' <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Michael Hingson <mike at michaelhingson.com>
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] churches??

Actually, given title III one must ask if a person using a guide dog truly can be denied access to a temple because of their guide. Separation of church and state is fine, but churches do not have the right to disobey the "law of the land".

Be careful here. I am not aware of a court test case about this although legal precedent may exist, but I would submit that denial of a blind person with a guide dog to church premises at least violates church doctrine. Even in the case of the Muslim faith, "animals that help the sick" are not necessarily classified as unclean.

All this has gotten us away from Tarzan's original question. What I said before still goes. The ADA does cover his question with a positive "yes" answer. And, since it has been brought up, I submit this does pretty much include churches given Marianne's last post. Mormon temples, although consecrated places cannot exclude blind persons with guide dogs unless there is something within Mormon doctrine that addresses denial of blind persons with guide dogs or something that makes a guide dog denial a part of the church's teachings.

Best Regards,

Michael Hingson

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Star Gazer via NAGDU
Sent: Monday, September 27, 2021 1:00 PM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users' <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Star Gazer <pickrellrebecca at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] churches??

You can't take a dog into the Mormon temple (different from a meeting house or stake center) but the Temple isn't open for general public anyway. The visitor's centers at the temples are and I sure hope nobody would be a d**ck about it, though anybody can write to a Mormon bishop or stake president and tell them of their experiences good bad or indifferent. 

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of marianne denning via NAGDU
Sent: Monday, September 27, 2021 3:45 PM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users' <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: marianne at denningweb.com
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] churches??

I believe they must let you in with your service dog if some activity is open to the public. An example would be if it is a place where people go to vote, for a community meeting or similar activities. I am not aware of any protestant churches or the Catholic church that won't let you in with a service animal based on religious beliefs. I doubt if you could take a dog into a Mosque. I have also heard that you can't take a service dog into the Mormon Tabernacle even if it is a public activity. I seriously question that one.

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Heather Bird via NAGDU
Sent: Monday, September 27, 2021 2:16 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Heather Bird <heather.l.bird at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] churches??

So, churches are not considered a place of public accommodation. This  has to do with the concept of separation of church and state. This also applies to other places of worship, so a mosque or synagogue for instance. Many religious institutions welcome individuals with their service dogs, but they have the right to refuse. Now, it gets a little more difficult when for instance there is a school or homeless shelter or other place of public accommodation, that happens to be run by a church, or situated within the church. There is some guidance from the department of justice, but people have had mixed results, with regards advocacy and accessing public services offered by religious institutions. I always tell people thatt, it never hurts to ask, education can be beneficial, and even though they’re not required to take you and your service dog, trying to do a little advocacy, without trying to force the issue, is usually a good idea.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Sep 27, 2021, at 1:49 PM, Jessica Diaz via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Afternoon,
> Church for me has never been an issue. I also have relied on rides 
> from awesome people. Though we have pretty awesome transit here none 
> are super close to the churches my hubby and I have attended. Good 
> luck. For me, they have all been pretty welcoming.
> Jess
> 
>> On 9/27/21, Richard via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> Hi;
>> 
>> I'm certainly not an A D A expert but I didn't think churches would 
>> be an issue.  Generally although they are a private organization most 
>> churches are open to the public.
>> 
>> In my little world church has never been an issue.  In most cases 
>> public transit isn't an  option when going to the church of my 
>> choice.  Generally a church member is happy to take my  wife and 
>> myself with no problems.  Since it is their private automobile, 
>> however, its really up to them whether the dog comes or not.  I have 
>> seen some people who have their no dogs allowed sign up.  Then there 
>> are others who would happily take my dog and I'm welcome to stay 
>> home.
>> 
>> Just  my personal experiences
>> 
>> Richard
>> 
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> 
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