WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina | Magistrate says prayer violates First Amendment

Magistrate says prayer violates First Amendment

Associated Press - November 9, 2009 4:05 PM ET

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) - A federal magistrate has recommended that the use of prayer to open a board of commissioners meeting in North Carolina violates the First Amendment.

Magistrate Trevor Sharp issued the recommendation Monday regarding the use of sectarian invocations to open the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners meetings.

Sharp's ruling explained that the prayers frequently referred to Jesus or Jesus Christ, and that such prayers "display a preference for Christianity over other religions by the government."

A lawsuit was filed several years ago on behalf of 2 county residents who objected to the use of prayer at the meetings. The commission had argued that the policy of inviting outside clergy to deliver invocations meant it was staying neutral with regard to prayers.

The recommendation now goes to a federal judge.

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