Guv, state will challenge ruling against Colorado Day of Prayer
Valerie Richardson / The Colorado Observer
Gov. John Hickenlooper has agreed to appeal the court decision banning the Colorado Day of Prayer proclamation to the Colorado Supreme Court, according to the attorney general’s office.
Fred Yarger, spokesman for Attorney General John Suthers, confirmed Friday that the governor had authorized the appeal. Mr. Suthers’ office is expected to file a Notice of Appeal this month with the high court.
“We met with the governor’s office to explain what the legal basis would be for the appeal, and why we think it would be successful,” said Yarger.
A three-judge panel of the Colorado Court of Appeals ruled unanimously that the annual proclamation issued by the governor’s office violates the state constitution, arguing that the declarations “have the primary or principal effect of endorsing religious beliefs,” said the court in its May 10 opinion.
The National Day of Prayer Task Force, based in Colorado Springs, reacted by launching an online petition drive asking for supporters to contact the governor and attorney general to urge them to challenge the ruling.
Advocates of the Colorado Day of Prayer proclamation cheered the governor’s decision to file the appeal. The governor’s office did not return phone calls asking for comment.
“If indeed the governor and the attorney general have made the decision to appeal, then we applaud their action, given that the majority of their constituency are people of prayer.” John Bornschein, Vice Chairman, National Day of Prayer Task Force.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation filed a lawsuit against the Colorado Day of Prayer in 2008. …see full story by The Colorado Observer
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