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WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) — A federal judge in North Carolina says sectarian prayers can resume before meetings of the Forsyth County commissioners.
U.S. District Judge James Beaty on Thursday removed a 2010 order banning commissioners from having clergy deliver pre-meeting prayers that refer to Jesus Christ or other deities. Beaty allowed the American Civil Liberties Union to return to court if there is evidence commissioners discriminate in who can offer prayers.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in May that allowing Christian prayers at public meetings was in line with long national traditions as long as the prayers do not denigrate non-Christians or try to win converts.
Forsyth County said persons of any faith are welcome to offer a prayer.
The ACLU had argued that Forsyth County's rules limited prayers to religious leaders from established local congregations.
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