When Brandt Jean embraced his brother's killer at her sentencing hearing, much of the world was moved by his gesture of compassion and forgiveness, and sobs could be heard inside the courtroom.
However, when the judge in that case, Judge Tammy Kemp, did likewise, the reactions were far less glowing, Fox News reports.
Handing the Bible to Guyger, who had just been sentenced to 10 years in prison for the murder of Botham Jean, she said "You just need a tiny mustard seed of faith. You start with this."
In its complaint, the group said that Judge Kemp's gift of a Bible was out of order for a government official.
"These proselytizing actions overstepped judicial authority, were inappropriate and were unconstitutional," the group wrote, according to CBS News.
"It is perfectly acceptable for private citizens to express their religious beliefs in court, but the rules are different for those acting in a governmental role," the group says.
Hiram Sasser, who serves as general counsel for FLI, released a statement in response to the FFRF's complaint, saying "FFRF is protesting Judge Kemp rather than joining the rest of the nation celebrating the compassion and mercy Judge Kemp demonstrated. We should all be thankful the law allows Judge Kemp’s actions and we stand with her and will gladly lead the charge in defending her noble and legal actions."
