Bush administration backs prayer services at library

[Kadie]

Posted on Fri, Dec. 02, 2005


Bush administration backs prayer services at library

DAVID KRAVETS
Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO - The Bush administration is siding with a Christian group in its lawsuit demanding rights to conduct prayer services at public libraries.

The case concerns a Contra Costa County policy allowing the public to use free meeting rooms at its libraries, but prohibits "religious services and activities."

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The case started last year after the faith group told the county that it wished to hold a "prayer, praise and worship" service that would be open to the public. The group held one session last year at the Antioch library before the county banned it from having others.

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The Bush administration is not a party to the case, but submitted a friend-of-the-court brief, which it routinely does in church-state cases. It said the government "has an interest in enforcement of First Amendment principles providing equal treatment of persons irrespective of their religious beliefs."

"Our policy says no religious services. That's where we believe the line is appropriately drawn," said Kelly Flanagan, Contra Costa County deputy counsel.

more...
http://www.montereyherald.com/mld/montereyherald/news/politics/13314317.htm