Despite A Federal Judge Ruling, Carroll County Commissioner Mentions Jesus

WESTMINSTER, Md. (AP) -- Despite a federal judge's ruling this week barring opening meetings of Carroll County's Board of County Commissioners with sectarian prayers, a commissioner has started a budget meeting with references to Jesus Christ.

The Carroll County Times reports that Commissioner Robin Bartlett Frazier opened a meeting Thursday saying she was willing to go to jail to fight the preliminary injunction. She then quoted a prayer by George Washington that mentions Jesus.

Judge William Quarles Jr. ruled that while a lawsuit over prayers proceeds, the commission may only have non-sectarian prayers.

The American Humanist Association had filed a lawsuit over the prayers. The group said in a letter to county lawyers Thursday that it would seek a contempt order if there is "continued defiance" of the court ruling.
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Information from: Carroll County Times of Westminster, Md., http://www.carrollcounty.com/

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