Aderholt Speaks Out Against A Federal Judge's Decision On National Day Of Prayer

Press Release

Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) today spoke out against last week's federal judge ruling that a law designating a National Day of Prayer is unconstitutional. Aderholt joined Members of Congress and national religious leaders at the U.S. Capitol to discuss the history of the National Day of Prayer and to affirm the right of Americans to pray according to their faith.

Last Thursday, U.S. District Judge Barbara B. Crabb, of Wisconsin, issued the decision in a case filed by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, a group that challenges the constitutionality of a 1988 federal law requiring the president to designate the first Thursday in May as a National Day of Prayer.

The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance that invites people of all faiths to pray for America and this year marks the 59th annual observance. Congressman Aderholt has been the sponsor of the Congressional National Day of Prayer event at the Capitol for the past four years.

"The National Day of Prayer was officially created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. Every president since 1952 has signed a National Day of Prayer proclamation," said Congressman Aderholt. "National days of prayer have a long-standing and significant history in American tradition that should not be changed or meddled with."

"This nation is great because our founding fathers committed to prayer and the principles of their faith and it's important for America to remember our heritage. I am pleased that President Obama will still issue a proclamation recognizing this year's National Day of Prayer, but I hope that he will direct the Justice Department to appeal and overturn this lower court ruling."

In response to this recent ruling, Congressman Aderholt co-sponsored two resolutions in the House of Representatives. The first is a resolution that would call for an appeal of the ruling against the National Day of Prayer and express the support of the House of Representatives for the institution of an annual National Day of Prayer. The second resolution affirms the constitutionality and historical significance of the National Day of Prayer.

Congressional Prayer Caucus co-Chairmen Rep. Randy Forbes (R-VA) and Rep. Mike McIntyre (D-NC) and Rep. Aderholt were joined by Rep. Michele Bachmann (MN-06), Rep. Mike Pence (IN-06) and about 20 other Congressmen and women at the press conference.

National Day of Prayer events take place all over America and this year's Congressional National Day of Prayer observance will take place in the Cannon Building at the U.S. Capitol from 9am-12pm EST on May 6th and the public is invited. Franklin Graham, Congressman Lincoln Davis (D-TN), Texas Supreme Court Justice Nathan L. Hecht, James Dobson and others will speak at the event.

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