[Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts press release] In support of the recent West Springfield, Mass. referendum vote against the Hard Rock Café Casino and Hotel, The Right Rev. Douglas Fisher, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts, said he stands firmly behind the civil suit filed yesterday by Repeal the Casino Deal challenging the Attorney General’s recent ruling not to certify the Ballot Initiative Petition to repeal the slots/casino law in Massachusetts. Repeal the Casino Deal is a statewide coalition of municipal, family, religious leaders and concerned citizens from all walks of life in Massachusetts.

“When MGM first intended to construct a gambling casino in Springfield last spring, I stated it was ‘bad news for the poor,’’’ said Bishop Fisher. “Now that a gambling casino remains a possibility for the Commonwealth, and for Springfield and Western Massachusetts in particular, I still say, it is ‘bad news for the poor.’ Casinos have never improved the quality of life in areas where many economically vulnerable people live.”

In announcing the civil suit yesterday, John Ribeiro, chairperson of Repeal the Casino Deal, stated, “Citizens of the Commonwealth will not be denied our right to pursue having our voices heard and cast a vote on bringing the gambling industry with known permanent negative impacts to our communities.”

Repeal the Casino Deal urges citizens to donate and sign up to volunteer to collect the signatures beginning mid-September 2013 at www.repealthecasinodeal.org.