Atheist Group Allowed at YMCA's Flowertown Festival

A community organization for atheists and agnostics will have a booth at the 41st annual Flowertown Festival this year, despite an alleged initial decision to decline vendor space to it. 

The festival is organized by Christian nonprofit Summerville Family YMCA, and the Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry claimed it was turned away because it is not a Christian group. The YMCA released a statement Monday saying it decided to allow the organization through "prayer, deliberation and conferring with legal counsel."

Click here to learn more about Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry.

A press release issued by Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry and its national organization American Humanist Association praised the reversal.

“The original decision to use a religious test for inclusion in the festival was misguided,” American Humanist Association Executive Director Roy Speckhardt said. “I am pleased that local humanists are now welcomed to participate in the YMCA Flowertown Festival along with the rest of their community.”

The Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry press release says event coordinator Kimberly Howell told the group's president not to apply as a vendor since YMCA is a "Christian organization," but Howell told Patch she "doesn't make the decisions on who comes in and who doesn't." A jury later rejected the group's application with no reason given, according to the group. 

The Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry appealed the decision in a Jan. 28 letter to the YMCA, saying the decision went against its own vendor qualifications and against the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Flowertown Festival's vendor application states:

All types of community groups, including civic organizations, non-profits, schools, artisan, crafters, commercial and faith-based organizations are encourage to apply. However, only groups that support inclusive membership and support community building will be considered. 

Click here to read that letter.

YMCA CEO Gary Lukridge issued this statement Monday:

The Summerville Family YMCA did receive an application for the 2013 YMCA Flowertown Festival from the Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry. After reviewing the information that they provided and through prayer, deliberation and conferring with legal counsel, we are allowing this group to be a vendor in this year’s Festival. The YMCA does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion or national origin and we accept people of all faiths. Our mission is to be a community cornerstone that puts Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. YMCA programs help teach young people important values such as faith, caring, honesty, responsibility and respect. Through these programs, the YMCA is able to provide a safe and nurturing environment that gives young people the ability to grow into responsible, successful adults, which makes our community a better place to live. 

The festival, which will be held April 5-7, is open to the general public and expects to attract more than 200,000 visitors this year. Click here to see photos from the 40th annual festival.