Judge dismisses "Day of Prayer" lawsuit
A Maricopa County Superior Court judge has dismissed a lawsuit challenging Governor Brewer's declarations of a state "Day of Prayer." Judge Eileen Willett granted a motion to dismiss with prejudice, meaning the court cannot be asked to rule on the same issue again. A U.S. district judge in Arizona dismissed the same challenge in December by the Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF).
The foundation claimed the proclamations violate a constitutional prohibition against government establishment of religion and filed suit in Arizona Federal Court in March of 2010.
The governor issued a statement saying she applauds the Superior Court for rejecting the lawsuit. An attorney for the plaintiffs says he may take the matter to the state court of appeals.
