State Joins Others in Legislative Prayer Case

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Attorney General Marty Jackley says South Dakota has joined 23 other states to file written arguments in a Supreme Court case that will determine whether the U.S. Constitution allows prayers during legislative sessions.

Jackley says the states are challenging a federal appeals court decision that found a township violated the constitution by opening each board meeting with a prayer.

The attorney general says all 50 states in some fashion follow the practice of opening each legislative day with a prayer. He says the U.S. Supreme Court will determine whether the constitution allows prayers during legislative sessions, and what limits might apply to such prayers.

Jackley says there is no additional cost to South Dakota to join the other states in filing the written arguments with the Supreme Court.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.