Thursday, October 5th, 2017

Senator Tim Scott Asks Supreme Court to Protect Expressions of Faith in Public Settings

Contact: (202) 224-2718

Washington– U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) joined his Senate colleagues today to call on the Supreme Court to protect religious liberty by filing an amicus brief regarding the landmark caseTown of Greece v. Galloway. Recently, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled that Greece, NY violated the constitution by allowing town board meetings to begin with prayer from members of any religious denomination, as well as reflections from atheists. The Supreme Court will hear the case in its upcoming term.

“Our country was founded on a principle of religious liberty, allowing all Americans to practice and express their beliefs,” Scott said. “The First Amendment doesn’t ban the practice of religion or expression of faith in a public setting – it does just the opposite. The Supreme Court should recognize this fundamental right and allow it to apply fairly to individuals of all faiths, in any setting.”

Senator Scott was joined by the following senators in signing the brief: Lamar Alexander (R-TN), John Barrasso (R-WY), Roy Blunt (R-MO), John Boozman (R-AR), Richard Burr (R-NC), Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), Jeff Chiesa (R-NJ), Dan Coats (R-IN), Bob Corker (R-TN), John Cornyn (R-TX), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Mike Enzi (R-WY), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), John Hoeven (R-ND), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Mike Johanns (R-NE), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Mike Lee (R-UT), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Rob Portman (R-OH), James Risch (R-ID), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Marco Rubio (R-FL), John Thune (R-SD), Pat Toomey (R-PA), David Vitter (R-LA), Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Mary Landrieu (D-LA).

The full amicus brief is availablehere.

###