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Arizona Atheists oppose Gov. Jan Brewer's 'Day of Prayer'

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Humanist Examiner

 Atheists in Arizona are opposing Jan Brewer's past and future proclamations declaring May 6 to be an official "Day of Prayer." Atheists, agnostics, free thinkers and those with a healthy respect for the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution are all supporting a lawsuit filed against Governor Brewer by the Freedom From Religion Foundation.

Wednesday a spokesman for Governor Jan Brewer said they plan to vigorously defend the Governor's right to issue such proclamations. The lawsuit seeks an injunction preventing Brewer from issuing a similar proclamation later this spring. Brewer says the lawsuit will not stop her from going through with her planned day of prayer. Brewer has declared an Arizona Day of Prayer twice since assuming the governor's office two years ago.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation, a national organization based in Wisconsin and representing concerned citizens in Arizona, filed a lawsuit Tuesday in U.S. District Court, arguing that the promotion of an official day of prayer is unconstitutional because it violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment which prohibits Congress from establishing a state religion.

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Those who support Brewer's day of prayer argue atheists and others are trying to remove religion from the public square. This is not the case. The lawsuit is simply an attempt to prevent Brewer from making prayer official state business. Arizonans, like all Americans, are free to pray when and where they please. However, prayer should never be the business of the state.
What is deeply disturbing, is that Brewer will spend valuable state resources to defend her religious convictions, resources that could be better used to help the citizens of Arizona. Already this year two citizens have died because of budget cuts Brewer made making organ transplants unavailable to those in need.
It seems hard to justify money spent on a frivolous and empty gesture like a day of prayer while good and decent citizens suffer and die for lack of public funds.
Governor Jan Brewer
Governor Jan Brewer
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Michael Stone is a progressive freethinker and freelance writer residing in Portland, Oregon. Informed by science, inspired by art, and motivated by compassion, Michael’s task is to question the world in pursuit of the good. You can reach Michael at stonemichael@hotmail.com.

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