ACLU Sues N.J. Town Over Lord’s Prayer
The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a lawsuit against a New Jersey town on behalf of a former Jewish employee.
The suit against Point Pleasant Beach contends that the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer at municipal council meetings, which the council has done since the mid-1990s, is unconstitutional because it shows preference for a particular religion, according to reports.
The former employee, who was unnamed in reports about the suit, said the prayer made her feel uncomfortable.
Kevin Riordan, an attorney for Point Pleasant Beach, said there was no intention to discriminate against any one religion and that no one had complained before.
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
That’s why I’m paying it Forward, by matching $36,000 of reader gifts. It’s an investment in the Forward’s newsroom, to continue telling the American Jewish story with truth and independence.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
