TX woman challenges council prayer

Charlie Butts - OneNewsNow - 11/4/2009 4:30:00 AM

The city of Houston, Texas, faces a federal lawsuit over city council prayer.

Although the city allows people of all faiths to offer prayers, Kay Staley wants them stopped and has filed the suit, basing her claim on the supposed separation of church and state. She explained why to television station KTRK. "Just because it's always been doesn't make it right," she contends "There are a lot of people that feel exactly the same way I do. Most people are afraid to come out and say anything because they're afraid of their jobs or their friends."
 
Don Cheatham, senior assistant city attorney, is taking a look at the lawsuit, and he feels that is exactly what needs to be done. "That's what we need to do, is to review the lawsuit and see what they're alleging, and then look at our practices and our policies and make sure that we are in conformity with current law," says Cheatham.
 
As a member of the council and one who avidly supports the opening prayer, City Councilman Mike Sullivan has no intention of letting Staley get in the way of the current meeting arrangement.
 
"I think they're publicity stunts," he suspects. "I don't think it's a genuine concern. You know, no one has come before to do this at the city of Houston that I am aware of."
 
But even in light of opposition, Staley and her attorney, Randall Kallinen, fully intend to press the lawsuit. Staley says, "I think prayer ought to be a private matter. I don't want anybody praying for me."
 
The plaintiff in this case is the same woman who successfully sued Harris County, forcing the removal of a glass-encased Bible that was displayed in front of the county courthouse. Her argument advocating separation of church and state proved solid in the previous case, and it is a possible that the current lawsuit will reach the federal courts.

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