[news] ACLU sues county over meeting prayers

source:

http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2012/may/24/aclu-sues-county-over-meeting-prayers/

WASHINGTON, Mo. (AP) — The American Civil Liberties Union wants Franklin County commissioners to stop saying prayers at meetings, stop letting audience members say prayers and stop asking everyone to bow their heads.

A lawsuit filed this week on behalf of an anonymous woman claims the practices violate both the U.S. and Missouri constitutions.

The ACLU sent the county a letter in March asking commissioners to stop the prayers after someone filed an anonymous complaint with the organization,.

After receiving the letter, the commission reverted back to offering a moment of silence at the beginning of its meetings. That didn't stop the prayers, though.

Some citizens have prayed in recent weeks during the public comment portion of meetings.

County counselor Mark Vincent called the suit "pre-emptive," noting he is drafting a policy on the issue of prayers.