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Group Sues to Stop Perry's Prayer Day

Texas governor shouldn't have endorsed event, group argues

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 14, 2011 11:28 AM CDT

(Newser) – The amusingly named Freedom from Religion Foundation isn't happy with Texas Gov. Rick Perry, and it's filed a lawsuit claiming that he's violated the First Amendment ban on government-endorsed religion. Perry organized and promoted a Christian prayer event that the group of atheists and agnostics now wants canceled, the AP reports. The foundation says Perry should not be allowed to use his office to recognize the Aug. 6 event, called The Response.

While the group has no problem with Perry participating in religious services, it claims he shouldn't have initiated the event or used his political position—including his official website and the official state seal—to endorse it. Members also aren't happy Perry plans to give an official proclamation. The Texas governor also invited the Obama administration, Texas lawmakers, and his fellow US governors to attend. Click to read about another group that tried to put the brakes on the National Day of Prayer.

Texas governor Rick Perry speaks during the 2011 Republican Leadership Conference on June 18, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Texas governor Rick Perry speaks during the 2011 Republican Leadership Conference on June 18, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana.   (Getty Images)
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Gov. Perry's distasteful use of his civil office to plan and dictate a religious course of action to `all citizens' is deeply offensive to many citizens, as well as to our secular form of government. - Dan Barker, co-director of the foundation

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 24 comments
schmidtkoff
Jul 14, 2011 6:07 PM CDT
a prayer day. well let them have their little prayers to god, to jesus whatever. but hope the gov. gives equal time to other religions for their "prayer" day. if they pray. and not all religions "pray". so please stop this divisive christian fueled march to "christianize" america. my beliefs, other's beliefs should be respected and not bullied by the likes of Perry.
Observer
Jul 14, 2011 4:40 PM CDT
Perry is showing his true - evangelical racist - colors. The speakers at this event are unbelievably weird and prejudiced against everyone not-like-them. Listen to the insane preaching that these "religious" activists spout. It is unAmerican and completely unacceptable to mainstream Americans that are mostly ambivalent about bullshit fundamentalists. Let's hear Perry start "Speaking In Tongues" and flopping around on the floor as God takes over his spirit live at this event. NY journalists will shred Perry because of  these lunatic preacher associations. Perry cannot be elected. He is way too polarized. But he sure has good dyed hair.
Buckshot
Jul 14, 2011 3:03 PM CDT
I guess idiots are bigger in Texass to.
 

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