Atheists target tiny towns

A local atheist organization says there's been a lot of foot-dragging by Utah's smaller cities when it comes to changing the way prayer is given at council meetings.

With that in mind, Utah Atheists wants to give a gentle shove to Utah's smaller communities, reminding them that prayer must be open to whoever wants to volunteer to give it — including atheists.

Utah Atheists, whose members profess the belief that there is no God, have also kept a close watch on the issue of separation between church and state.

Last December, Utah Atheists sent out about 140 letters, targeting Utah's smaller towns, reminding them that their prayer policies must conform to the latest ruling from the Utah Supreme Court. That was 10 years ago, but atheists say many cities still haven't made changes.

In December 1993, the Utah Supreme Court ruled the practice of opening a city council meeting with prayer does not violate the state constitution — if certain rules are met. The high court ruled prayer must be open to the public and to all beliefs. Cities cannot limit the content of speech.

Many cities have opted to have people placed on a prayer list for future meetings, while others have simply abandoned the practice altogether.

"These cities were selected because we didn't feel like they've complied. Most of them didn't have policies," said Utah Atheists board member Richard Andrews.

In small towns, where most people attend the same church, Andrews said there has been little impetus for cities to change the way prayer is given.

"These type of places have never even thought about taking a look at their policies. They just go on as business as usual," Andrews said, adding many of Utah's larger cities have made changes to conform to the high court ruling.

In the letter, Utah Atheists is asking for a copy of each city's policy on prayer for review. But the group is taking things one step further by requesting a time when an atheist can give a talk at a future council meeting. That request has caused some city officials to swallow with discomfort.

In Riverton, council members debated the potential for a Satan worshiper giving council prayer. Councilwoman Gayla Brinkerhoff said her concern was that someone would say something that would prove offensive.

Brinkerhoff and other council members suggested limiting the subject matter of the prayer. That's a constitutional no-no, said City Attorney David Church, who is also the attorney for the Utah League of Cities and Towns.

Church said if cities choose to hold prayer, they must be prepared to face the good, the bad and sometimes the ugly of First-Amendment speech. Church said cities cannot limit the content of a devotional.