Source: The Associated Press
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/17/AR2008071702692.html
A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by atheists and agnostics that challenged the state's sending of children and money to the church-affiliated Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch.
U.S. District Judge Dan Hovland did not address the plaintiffs' contention that public money is used to indoctrinate children with religion and the state agencies' referrals to the ranch are unconstitutional.
Instead, the judge said the Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation and five North Dakota taxpayers who are members of the group have no right to sue.
"The payment of taxes is generally not enough to establish standing to challenge an action by the state or county government," the judge said in his ruling Wednesday.
Dan Barker, co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, said the group was considering its options, including appealing or suing on behalf of some children at the Boys and Girls Ranch. It has facilities in Bismarck, Fargo and Minot.