Laura McPhee on Bosma & Prayer lawsuit

Writing for Nuvo, Laura McPhee has an article on the Legislative Prayer lawsuit entitled Bosma loses prayer suit. No new information to speak of, but I do like that she calls Bosma on his disingenuous response to the court’s ruling:

For his part, Bosma released a statement that, while not exactly misquoting the judge’s ruling, does exaggerate its consequences.

“I am shocked and dismayed by the court’s decision,” Bosma said. “I find the court’s unprecedented decision disturbing in that it directs me, as speaker, to advise people that they are prohibited from using ‘Christ’s name or title or any other denomination appeal.’ The ruling forbids invited ministers and members to continue to exercise their right to free speech and pray in the tradition of their faith.”

Actually, the ruling does not limit anyone’s right to free speech or prayer and does not prohibit the House from opening its session with prayers. It does require that any official prayers be inclusive and non-sectarian, and not advance one particular religion.

In essence, Hamilton has required that the speaker of the House require anyone offering a prayer to follow the guidelines for prayer already established. Those invited to give the prayer are sent a letter that states in part: “The invocation is to be a short prayer asking for guidance and help in the matters that come before the members. We ask that you strive for an ecumenical prayer as our members, staff and constituents come from different faith backgrounds.”

Rep. Bosma’s convenient (to him) omission of the critical distinction between government speech, which is limited, and private speech, which is not, is a source of continuing irritation.