Appeals court calls North Carolina county's prayer unconstitutional

[DonViejo]

Source: Reuters




JULY 14, 2017 / 1:08 PM / 29 MINUTES AGO

Jonathan Stempel

(Reuters) - A divided federal appeals court said a North Carolina county violated the U.S. Constitution by letting elected officials open meetings with Christian prayer and asking audience members to participate.

Friday's 10-5 decision by the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia overturned a ruling by a three-judge panel of the same court that upheld the practice. The case is likely headed to the conservative-leaning U.S. Supreme Court.

Three residents had challenged the Rowan County Board of Commissioners' practice of opening meetings with prayers composed by members, and asking those in attendance to stand and pray together.

Ninety-seven percent of 143 prayers in a recent 5-1/2-year period were Christian.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/usa-northcarolina-prayer-idUSL1N1K515L

[FBaggins]

1. Anyone know what varried from prior decisions?

Specifically Kennedy's ruling in Greece v. Galloway?

Perhaps "asking those in attendance to stand and pray together" crosses his "coercion" line?

[Judi Lynn]

2. It's absolutely shabby to suggest people attending Board of Commissioners' meetings to pray

along with the Commissioners.

Clearly there is the implication that assent is expected and any objection to mixing religion and official government business will put the audience member on a very bad footing with the Commissioners.