Atheists dismiss lawsuit over proposed KC payment to Baptists

American Atheists Inc. has dismissed its lawsuit against Kansas City municipal government over the proposed use of $65,000 in tourism tax dollars for services related to the National Baptist Convention.

The atheists group and two members who live in Kansas City sued in July in U.S. District Court in Kansas City. They opposed the City Council’s approval in April of $65,000 from the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund to Modest Miles Ministry Inc. for the National Baptist Convention USA Inc.

At the time the lawsuit was filed, the city attorney’s office noted that no contract had been signed to actually provide the funds, which would have to go for secular purposes. The city never did sign the contract, and the Rev. John Modest Miles raised the money for the convention from private sources. The convention was held in Kansas City from Sept. 5-9.

On Sept. 22, the council repealed the ordinance that included the $65,000 grant, so American Atheists and the two local plaintiffs agreed to dismiss all claims. No attorney’s fees or damages were awarded to the plaintiffs.

This story was originally published October 19, 2016 at 6:22 PM with the headline "Atheists dismiss lawsuit over proposed KC payment to Baptists."