For Immediate Release
August 9, 2010

Supervisor Auberger Announces Decision in Town’s Favor
on Prayer Lawsuit

Supervisor John Auberger announced today that a decision was reached by the U.S. District Court regarding the lawsuit filed against the Town in August of 2008 regarding the practice of including prayer to begin each session of the Greece Town Board.

The court found that the Town’s prayer policy does not violate the Establishment Clause and granted the Town our motion for dismissal. Justice Siragusa cited a number of factors in the entire record of the case including that the Town invited “clergy from all denominations within the Town, without any guidance or restriction on the content of the prayers.”

“For over 12 years we have started our town board meetings with a prayer from local clergy and private individuals representing a variety of faiths. Today’s decision is a victory for free speech and a reaffirmation of longstanding tradition in our nation to begin government proceedings with prayer.” Auberger commented further, “since this lawsuit was commenced over two years ago, I have heard from an overwhelming number of residents who support the continuation of this practice, I wish to thank them for their support on this issue.”