The Freedom From Religion Foundation brought a legal challenge against President Obama and White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs for their compliance with 36 U.S.C. 119 which provides:
The President shall issue each year a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as a National Day of Prayer on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals.
President Obama issued such a proclamation, and the Plaintiffs sought an injunction. The Seventh Circuit found that the Plaintiffs lacked standing to bring their suit because, essentially, neither the law nor the proclamation imposed any duty on them. The President is free to suggest that they pray, and the Plaintiffs are free to ignore him.
Works for me. I’m happy we have gadflies like the Freedom From Religion Foundation challenging the government, making sure it doesn’t get too far out of bounds. I also don’t think the government has any particular place making suggestions as to when, how, or whether I pray. But, that said, the legal system is not well-suited to address issues of this nature. I’m happy enough with the result of this decision. I’m guessing my reaction would be different if it involved a public school where attendance was required. But, then, if those were the facts, it’s altogether possible the 7th Circuit’s decision would be different.
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