The purpose of this chapter is to encourage private not-for-profit organizations, whether or not having any religious affiliation, to satisfy secular needs concerning the housing, care, and treatment of persons requiring special care, which needs, if not so satisfied by such private not-for-profit organizations, would have to be satisfied in some degree by governmental agencies at public expense. No facility acquired, improved, financed, or in any way provided or assisted by any authority pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall be used by a user to promote any sectarian purpose or to advance or inhibit any religious activity, nor shall any such facility be operated by any user in a manner so pervaded by religious activities that the secular objectives of this chapter cannot be separated from the sectarian interests or purposes of such user to the extent required by the Constitution of Alabama and the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. Nothing contained in this chapter, however, shall be construed to prohibit any user from providing such facilities and assistance as are necessary to enable the residents at any facility to have such opportunities for religious experience as they may individually desire and be entitled to in accordance with the principles of religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution of Alabama and the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America.
Last modified: May 3, 2021