Mike Pence Denounces Judge’s “National Day of Prayer” Ruling

U.S. Congressman Mike Pence, Chairman of the House Republican Conference, issued the following statement today following a federal judge’s ruling in Wisconsin that the National Day of Prayer is unconstitutional:

It’s a sad day when a lone federal judge issues oppressive restrictions on free speech and acts to banish this important day from our national calendar. This ruling ignores established legal precedent and underscores just how important it is that the next nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court has a commitment to a strict interpretation of the Constitution.

The National Day of Prayer is an annual recognition of the fact that prayer played a vital role in our nation’s founding and that the American people should continue to pray for our nation, its leaders and its people. It is an example of our Constitution’s protection of religious expression, and I call on the Department of Justice to immediately appeal this flawed ruling.

Background:

Congressman Pence joined 30 of his House colleagues, including Rep. Randy Forbes, Chairman of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, on an amicus brief that sought to dismiss the lawsuit. ###

Contact Matt Lloyd or Mary Vought at (202) 226-9000 or matt.lloyd@mail.house.gov