Day of Prayer Not Unconstitutional

Washington, Apr 16 - Republican Study Committee Chairman Tom Price (R-GA) issued the following statement in response to a federal judge’s decision finding the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional.

“This decision is outrageous and unbelievable. What a great demonstration of how badly we need federal judges who respect the meaning of the Constitution,” said Chairman Price. “The National Day of Prayer does not establish religion or force anyone to engage in prayer. It is simply a reminder of the importance that prayer has played in the lives of Americans and in the foundation of our principles. Americans have observed days of prayer going back to the time of the Founders, and service was routinely held in the Capitol. The National Day of Prayer is fully in keeping with the Constitution’s protection of religious freedom. I call on President Obama and the Department of Justice to actively, visibly, and aggressively appeal this ruling.” ###

Congressman Tom Price is Chairman of the Republican Study Committee (RSC).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 4.16.2010

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