Private groups and individuals organize and sponsor many of the centers' programs, and nonmember groups can use the buildings for classes and other activities if the subject matter is "of interest to senior citizens." A wide range of subjects is listed in the activities catalog, including amateur radio, ceramics, Chinese, choral group, economics, el abuelo (the clown of Spanish culture), fishing, Medicare and health insurance counseling, myth of the hanging tree, and plants and people of New Mexico. There are also religion-related classes, like the Bible as literature; myths and stories about the millennium; theosophy; and an oratorio called A Passover Commemoration. The centers encourage ideas for new classes and programs.

Drawing the line at proselytizing

When Stark received Kimbro's request, she sent it for review to Mark Sanchez, the city's deputy director of family and community services. After viewing the film, Sanchez denied Kimbro's request, saying that city policy prohibited the use of senior centers "for sectarian instruction or as a place for religious worship."

A First Amendment argument for both sides

Kimbro and his church sued the city, arguing that he should not be prohibited from showing the film and handing out Bibles. Kimbro argued that the city had unconstitutionally restricted his right to free expression under the First Amendment; the city's reasoning for its denial of the film showing did not outweigh his, and the church's, rights under the Constitution.

City officials argued that their hands were tied. The First Amendment prohibits the state establishment of religion, and Kimbro's request would violate that basic principle by promoting Christianity in a city-sponsored forum. The city also contended that the Older Americans Act required them to prohibit use of the centers for religious teaching or worship, or risk losing federal funding. Finally, the city said that its policy protected seniors, who are a "captive audience" and "vulnerable" to the kind of proselytizing and coercion that Kimbro's program represented.

Next: Should Kimbro be allowed to show his film? If you were the judge, how would you decide? Read the verdict.