(Statehouse) Friday, May 12, 2006 – Indiana Speaker of the House Brian C. Bosma has filed an appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7 th Circuit in Chicago on a ruling that censors the name of Jesus Christ from prayers opening each legislative session day of the Indiana House of Representatives. Speaker Bosma has promised to vigorously defend the 188 year tradition of inclusive, open legislative prayer in the Indiana House.

“I am hopeful that today marks a turning point in our battle to ensure freedom of speech in the Indiana House of Representatives,” said Speaker Bosma.  “I have pledged to vigorously protect our state’s 188 year tradition of prayer in accordance with conscience, and will continue to take all available measures to avoid federal court control of the internal workings of the Indiana General Assembly.  The Indiana House has always been, and should remain, the center piece of free speech in our state, and federal courts should not dictate the contents of that speech.”

The ruling prohibiting those offering prayers to invoke the name of Jesus Christ was made by the U.S. Federal Court (Southern District of Indiana) on November 30, 2005. The lawsuit was filed in May of 2005 by the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana on behalf of four plaintiffs.

Since the ruling, ministers of several backgrounds have stated that, under the terms of the injunction, they cannot pray as their conscience requires. During the 2006 legislative session, prayers were conducted privately, by Members of the House only, and were held at the back of the Chamber before the official start of business.

During the session, the Indiana House of Representatives passed a resolution supporting the Speaker’s decision to take all necessary action to defend and preserve the historical tradition of prayer.

“For the first time in American history, a federal court has specifically prohibited state legislators and their invited guests from using the name of Jesus Christ in prayer.  An overwhelming majority of House members and the public believe that this decision is overreaching and that this ruling into the internal practices of a co-equal branch of government by this court should not be allowed,” said Speaker Bosma.  “We are hopeful that the 7 th Circuit Court of Appeals agrees that the district court’s ruling should be overturned, and that the U.S. Constitution protects free, open and uncensored prayers offered in accordance with the heart and conscience of visiting ministers.”

The appeal was filed this week. The law firm of Winston and Strawn is defending Speaker Bosma with the continued assistance of the Indiana Attorney General’s office.

Attachment: Opening Brief of Appeal to 7 th Circuit Court of Appeals