ACLU Sues the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors

[DoctorE]

Adults + whining + imaginary friend..in public; So lame eh

[DoctorE]

[DoctorE]

[King David]

Whack-a-mole.

[DoctorE]

Looks like someone is going to feel that christian love huh

A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction Friday prohibiting the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors from practicing Christian prayer during its meetings.

Federal Judge Michael F. Urbanski issued the order pending the outcome of a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union against the board.

The suit was filed last year by the ACLU of Virginia on behalf of “Jane Doe,” who had contacted the group about the supervisors’ practice of praying during meetings.

On Aug. 16, the ACLU wrote a letter to the board asking them to stop opening meetings with prayer that “explicitly refer to Jesus Christ.”

However, the board continued to pray.

The judge also denied the county’s request to dismiss the case, as well as the plaintiff “Jane Doe’s” request to remain anonymous.

“Jane Doe” now has 30 days either to appeal the ruling or disclose her identity to the court.

“Every time the plaintiff attends a board meeting and comes in direct contact with an overtly Christian prayer, she experiences a recurring First Amendment injury,” Judge Urbanski wrote in his opinion.

The injunction is not permanent, but it does order the board to stop praying until the case is settled.

“This is an important first step,” said Kent Willis, the executive director of ACLU of Virginia. “With a very strong opinion from the judge indicating that we are legally on the right track.”

State Sen. Bill Stanley, the county’s attorney, said he is not surprised by the judge’s ruling. He said the board would respect the judge’s request and not pray at meetings while the case is ongoing.

But Stanley was very pleased the judge denied “Jane Doe’s” request to remain anonymous.

“We are pleased with the ruling and that the plaintiff can’t hide behind the ‘Jane Doe’ pseudonym,” said Stanley. “We believe there are very good reasons that the plaintiff should identify herself if she wishes to proceed with this matter any further.”

Continues: http://www2.wsls.com/news/2012/feb/03/3 ... r-1662799/

[j.mills]

“We believe there are very good reasons that the plaintiff should identify herself if she wishes to proceed with this matter any further.”

The point of law is surely unaffected by who happens to bring it to the attention of the court.

County Administrator Dan Sleeper said he also expected these rulings from the judge.

“We just go along with whatever we have to do,” said Sleeper. “Since we can’t pray in the courtroom, being a Christian I will just pray in the hallway.”

- Which is still part of a public building, n'est pas?

[Onyx8]

I guess he forgot that Jesus asked him to pray in private.

[Alan B]

I guess he forgot that Jesus asked him to pray in private.

Don't they all just forget that? I think this Jesus guy was quite specific on that point (Matt. 6:1-8).

Perhaps 'Jane Doe' (whoever she is) could suggest that the above verses be read out in court as evidence and that the defendants explain why they are contravening de Lard's instructions.

More Edit:
Since the defendants have no authority (according to their own belief) to pray in public then they really have no case to continue praying in the manner they do.

[crank]

Whack-a-mole.

That's exactly te thought popped into my head seconds before I saw your post, it's such an apt description, they don't appear capable of getting the point, time to switch to sledge hammers.

[DoctorE]

[Alan B]

I see. Praying to Jesus is ok, then.
Nowhere in the Bible does Jesus say "Pray to me" or "Pray to me instead of God".
One could argue that the Eucharist instituted in the Last Supper could constitute 'prayer' but not to Jesus himself as a theist would pray to a god but as a remembrance by the Disciples of Jesus and his life with them.

These guys are wriggling. By their own Book of Fairy Tales, they haven't a leg to stand on.

Waits for witty repartee.