Judge Upholds Ban on Christian Prayers in Indiana Legislature
Thursday, December 29, 2005
WASHINGTON — A federal judge in Indianapolis says he won't reconsider his decision barring the Indiana House of Representatives from opening its sessions with specifically Christian prayers.
Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma had asked U.S.District Judge David Hamilton to reconsider the Nov. 30 ruling, saying it was too vague to enforce.
The state attorney general's office also has asked the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago to review the decision.
Hamilton ruled that invocations could not mention Jesus Christ or use Christian terms such as savior because they amount to state endorsement of a religion.
Yesterday, Hamilton said if the speaker or others try to evade the injunction, the court will take "appropriate measures" to enforce it.
Judge Upholds Ban on Christian Prayers in Indiana Legislature
