"We have come to the next step in our pledge to overturn Judge Hamilton's decision and injunction regarding the content of prayer in the Indiana House of Representatives. Today the Indiana Attorney General's Office will be filing, at my request, as Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives, a notice to appeal the court's decision.

In addition, we are filing with Judge Hamilton a Motion to Alter or Amend Judgment (known as a 59(e) motion) and a Motion to Stay the court order while the Judge considers our motion to alter the original order. Under the Motion to Alter or Amend Judgment, we are asking to have this ruling suspended because the order did not provide enough clarity to proceed. It is our belief that the issued injunction went beyond what the court could offer as a remedy to address taxpayer standing. The language of the injunction also appears to go beyond the specific relief that the plaintiffs requested by including speech and prayer offered during other official House proceedings. In essence, the injunction is too vague and gives the legislature no clear standard for application. Finally, the federal courts should respect the internal workings of the Indiana House of Representatives and the elected member's right to free speech.

Since Judge Hamilton's ruling on November 30, my office has been flooded with calls and letters of support from across the nation. I would like to thank everyone who has offered their prayers and encouragement and assure them that I will continue to fight the federal court's decision."

Today's legal actions by Speaker Bosma address the November 30, 2005 ruling by Judge David S. Hamilton of U.S. Federal Court (Southern District of Indiana). Judge Hamilton ruled that the name of Jesus Christ cannot be spoken during prayers opening sessions of the Indiana House of Representatives. The lawsuit was brought by the Indiana Civil Liberties Union (ICLU) naming Speaker of the House Brian C. Bosma as the defendant.
For more information or to schedule a time to discuss the matter with Speaker Bosma, please contact Tony Samuel at 317-232-9887 or tsamuel@iga.state.in.us