A federal judge ruled the high school choir in Woodbine, Iowa, could not sing “The Lord’s Prayer” at graduation ceremonies May 19, even though a majority of students and parents wanted the song included as part of a 30-year-old tradition.
U.S. District Court Judge Charles R. Wolle ruled May 10 that the “principal effect” of including the sacred prayer would be to “advance the Christian religion,” which violates the separation of church and state.
“That the majority of the students, choir members and parents want ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ to be a part of the program is not a factor in the constitutional analysis,” Wolle wrote. “This is not a situation where the majority rule. Our Constitution prohibits state-compelled religious conformance.”
The Iowa Civil Liberties Union and the American Jewish Congress sued to block the song on behalf of two atheist students who said being forced to sing the prayer made them uncomfortable.
Marc Stern, legal director for the American Jewish Congress, said, “The decision indicates clearly that the federal courts will not be fooled by subterfuges employed by school boards to impose Christian prayer on non-Christian or nonbelieving students.” Terry Hazard, superintendent of the school system, told the Omaha World-Herald that school officials would have no comment on the decision until they decide whether to make a last minute appeal.
“That doesn’t mean we are going to appeal or aren’t going to appeal,” Hazard said.
The twin atheist students, Ruby and Donavan Skarin, were pleased with the decision, said their mother, Christine Skarin. “Now we hope that the citizens and visitors of Woodbine will abide by the law,” she said.
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