Teh One Who Knocks
02-27-2012, 11:04 PM
The Associated Press
MONPELIER, Vt. – A Franklin woman is asking a Vermont judge to block a prayer that is used as part of the opening ceremonies on Town Meeting Day.
A hearing is scheduled for Tuesday in Vermont Superior Court in St. Albans on a request by Marilyn Hackett to block the prayers.
Hackett, who is being represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, charges that the town and its moderator have violated the Vermont Constitution's guarantee against being forced to participate in organized religion and that she is being denied equal access to a public location because of her beliefs.
The town counters that Hackett's rights are not being violated because she does not have to be present for the prayer to participate in Franklin's Town Meeting Day.
MONPELIER, Vt. – A Franklin woman is asking a Vermont judge to block a prayer that is used as part of the opening ceremonies on Town Meeting Day.
A hearing is scheduled for Tuesday in Vermont Superior Court in St. Albans on a request by Marilyn Hackett to block the prayers.
Hackett, who is being represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, charges that the town and its moderator have violated the Vermont Constitution's guarantee against being forced to participate in organized religion and that she is being denied equal access to a public location because of her beliefs.
The town counters that Hackett's rights are not being violated because she does not have to be present for the prayer to participate in Franklin's Town Meeting Day.