On The Front Lines
The Rutherford Institute Protects Right of Madison Residents to Pray Out Loud for National Day of Prayer Rally at State Capitol
MADISON, Wisc.--Attorneys for The Rutherford Institute successfully defended the right of Wisconsin residents to pray out loud during a National Day of Prayer rally at the state capitol. Officials with the Wisconsin State Capitol Police Department had stated that only silent prayer would be permitted at the rally.Prior to the National Day of Prayer rally, which was scheduled to take place in the capitol Rotunda on May 1, 2003, at 12:00 pm, CST, a Wisconsin State Capitol Police department spokesperson informed rally organizers that while it was permissible for residents to observe the National Day of Prayer, all prayer had to be silent. After being contacted by several rally participants for assistance, Rutherford Institute attorneys issued a letter to Wisconsin State Capitol Police Chief Mike Metcalf, citing case law that affirms an individual's right to pray in public places. Institute attorneys demanded that the state respect the participants' constitutional rights to free speech and free exercise of religion through prayer. Shortly before the scheduled rally, Metcalf contacted Institute legal staff and informed them that praying out loud at the National Day of Prayer rally would be permitted.
The National Day of Prayer traces its roots back to 1988, when President Ronald Reagan established it as the first Thursday in May. The federal law describes the National Day of Prayer as a day "on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals." Several states have followed suit by incorporating similar language into proclamations designating their own day of prayer. Despite objections raised by some separation of church and state groups over local communities observing the National Day of Prayer, various courts have ruled the National Day of Prayer to be constitutionally sound. Furthermore, the U.S. Supreme Court has said that "religious expression holds a place at the core of the type of speech that the First Amendment was designated to protect." Information about the National Day of Prayer can be viewed on The Rutherford Institute's website by clicking here.
"It is outrageous that state officials would take the position that the act of citizens praying for their government leaders could subject them to removal or arrest," said John W. Whitehead, president of The Rutherford Institute. "The Rutherford Institute will continue to ensure that government officials respect fundamental freedoms possessed by all Americans."
The Rutherford Institute is an international, nonprofit civil liberties organization committed to defending constitutional and human rights.
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Nisha N. MohammedPh: (434) 978-3888, ext. 604; Pager: 800-946-4646, Pin #: 1478257
Email: Nisha N. Mohammed
