Prayers held before meetings ‘unlawful’
NORTH Kesteven District Council is evaluating the repercussions of a High Court ruling which may affect the way they hold prayers at the start of meetings.
Action was brought against Bideford Town Council by the National Secular Society after an atheist councillor complained.
Mr Justice Ouseley ruled prayers held at the start of that council’s meetings were not lawful under section 111 of the Local Government Act 1972. However, he said prayers could be said as long as councillors were not formally summoned to attend.
The judgement, now subject to appeal, is being seen as a test case.
Leader of NKDC Coun Marion Brighton said: “My initial response is that if the decision is upheld on appeal we may adopt a position where prayers continue to be offered by the council’s chaplain in advance of the meeting and members will be invited to attend at their own discretion before the formal meeting begins. Whether a member chooses to attend or not, or to stand to one side, would be their own free choice.”
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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