Boston Herald: Upton selectmen deny prayer rally, later repent


According to the Boston Herald, the board of selectmen in Upton, Massachusetts cited a constitutional “separation of church and state” while rejecting a resident’s request to hold a peaceful prayer vigil on the town common. (Note: the term “separation of church and state” is nowhere to be found in the U.S. Constitution or any state constitution) The vigil was supposed to be part of about 7,500 “rosary rallies” held nationwide by America Needs Fatima, a nonprofit Catholic group.

“It was quite troubling,” said Michael Casey, the resident who made the request. “They felt that if we were there praying, we would offend people. It was just a peaceful prayer rally. Why were denied to have that, I don’t know.”

However, two noted constitutional attorneys say the selectmen didn’t have a right to deny the request. “The state cannot sponsor religious celebrations or events or services,” said First Amendment attorney Harvey Silverglate, “but that doesn’t mean that religious events and celebrations or speeches cannot take place in the public sphere. They can.”

“The free expression of religion cannot be suppressed by any town council,” said Chester Darling, another constitutional lawyer. “Those selectmen belong in federal court. They should be permanently enjoined from doing that ever again.”

Two days later Upton town officials confessed that they “misunderstood” what the founding fathers meant by separation of church and state when three selectmen put the kibosh on Casey’s request to hold a peaceful prayer vigil on the town common.

Town Manager Blythe Robinson said the selectmen were dead wrong. “They realized that this was an unfortunate decision and a misunderstanding of the law.”

    Source: Boston Herald

Share:

More Posts

Victory! MA Rejects the Legalization of Dangerous Drugs

The legalization of dangerous drugs was once again on the ballot this November. However, Massachusetts voters rejected this referendum by a margin of 57% to 43%.  If passed, Question 4 would have:  These drugs have been documented to cause psychosis, mania, and other mental health issues that can be long-lasting. That’s why Question

School Committee Members, We Want to Connect with YOU!​

Are you a MA school committee member who wants to make positive change in your district? Do you want to pass conservative policies that honor parental rights, decrease political activism in the classroom, or protect the safety of girls in athletics?  Would you love to have an opportunity to speak

Vote NO on Question 4: Keep Dangerous Drugs Illegal!

Dangerous drugs will once again be on the ballot in this upcoming election. On November 5th, we urge you to vote NO on Question 4.  If passed, Question 4 would: These drugs have been documented to cause psychosis, mania, and other mental health issues that can be long-lasting. That’s why Question 4

Highlights from MFI’s 33rd Annual Banquet Celebration

We are happy to report our 33rd Annual Fundraising Banquet was a resounding success! Thank you to our guests and sponsors for their generous donations, which enable our vital work. We enjoyed an inspiring evening celebrating our hard-won victories. The theme of our banquet was Advancing Together, One Win at