The Freedom From Religion Foundation of Madison, WI threatened the Hamilton County Commission if they continue to pray to Jesus, but commissioners say they won't stop praying. Local atheist Tommy Coleman complained to the Commission that "according to the establishment clause, [Christian prayer] is unconstitutional!"
For background, read Prayer Ban Increases Prayer at Hamilton School Football Game and also read Prayer in America: Hidden Faith, or Public?
UPDATE 7/12/12: Commissions' prayer compromise draws more atheist complaints (video)
UPDATE 6/26/12: Atheist residents sue Commission
-- From "Hamilton Co. Commissioners hear from residents opposed to prayer" by Jonquil Newland, WRCB-TV3 Reporter 6/6/12
Coleman asked the commission to replace its prayer with a moment of silence.
Commissioners also heard from those in favor of prayer.
. . . commissioners have already stated prayer will continue before meetings unless ordered otherwise by a court.
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From "Resident plans to ask Hamilton County commissioners to stop prayer" by Ansley Haman, Chattanooga Times Free Press 6/6/12
[Also,] The American Civil Liberties Union sued the county on behalf of several residents in 2002 for posting the Ten Commandments in the county courthouse and two other buildings.
In May 2003, a federal judge ruled that displaying the plaques violated the constitutionally required separation of church and state and ordered the plaques' removal.
The judge ordered the county to pay attorney and court costs, and newspaper archives show legal bills totaled about $70,000.
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