La Verkin Council retaining prayers before meetings

LA VERKIN — The city council of this small Washington County town has decided to retain prayer before their meetings, one of the many around the state to do so despite efforts by the nonreligious to curtail the long-standing practice.

Responding to a letter from Utah Atheists, an organization that believes that prayer in city councils should be limited, if not eliminated, the La Verkin city council decided to continue the practice.

"People came here because of freedom of religion," said resident Helen Schoonover. "I thank you for leaving the prayer in the meetings."

Utah Atheists has sent letters to more than 150 towns across the state reminding them to comply with two state Supreme Court rulings. In 1993, the high court ruled that prayer before meetings is only legal if prayer is nondiscriminatory and available to all. Ten years later, another ruling specified that cities could not deny anyone the right to participate in prayer because of the anticipated content of their message.

City Manager Ben Reeves said they will comply with the "intent and spirit" of the Supreme Court decisions. The town has pledged to change its policy of having either the mayor or city council member give the prayer. Now, anyone in the community who wishes to give the opening remarks will have the opportunity.

St. George has also decided to continue the practice of prayer and has passed an official policy stating that the opportunity to give the prayer shall be administered on a non-denominational and neutral basis.

Some La Verkin residents praised the council for standing up for what they believe in.

"I strongly believe prayer should be held before the public meetings," said Planning Commission member Ray Justice. "I don't think a few bad apples should spoil it for everyone."