Today, the Council of the City of Phoenix in Arizona will meet to discuss new, hastily proposed, amendments to their policy that allows for religious invocations to precede their formal meetings. Council members have been clear that their proposals are strictly intended to block an impending invocation scheduled to be delivered by The Satanic Temple on Feb. 17th. The Satanic Temple (TST) has made clear that if their invocation is blocked, they will file a discrimination lawsuit. The other day, the Freedom From Religion Foundation wrote a letter to the Mayor of Phoenix warning him against any moves to limit TST’s Constitutionally guaranteed liberty. Yesterday, a candidate for AZ. State representative issued a statement in defense of TST’s Freedom of Religion and Freedom of Speech. Today, The Secular Coalition of Arizona sent a letter to the Mayor of Phoenix urging him to end the invocation practice altogether, or accept any and all voices that wish to be heard.
The letter from the Secular Coalition of America to the Mayor of Phoenix is below:
February 3, 2016
The Honorable Mayor Greg Stanton
City of Phoenix
200 W Jefferson St.
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Dear Mayor Stanton,
The Secular Coalition for Arizona represents the interests of all Arizonans who value public policies free from religious influence and preference. Secular public policy ensures freedom of conscience for all Arizonans.
Prayer at government meetings is unnecessary and divisive. When government bodies lend their power and prestige to organized religion, it amounts to an endorsement that excludes the 27% of the population that does not identify with an organized religion. Even when prayers are “nondenominational,” any form of prayer will inevitably exclude various taxpayers and constituents.
The Secular Coalition for Arizona does not support invocations in public meetings. However, if invocations must occur, the individual City Council members should not have a say in which religious groups are represented and which religious groups are excluded. An invocation policy which allows all groups an opportunity to provide the invocation is the best way to ensure religious freedom for all. This type of policy would not exclude minority religions, atheists, nontheists, and the increasing number of people living in Phoenix who do not subscribe to a particular organized religion or faith.
Because of the legal uncertainty and the exclusionary effect such prayers have on nontheists and others who do not share the faith of the officiant, the best practice is to discontinue invocations at Council meetings.
If the Council is unwilling to discontinue invocations at Council meetings, we ask that you continue your current invocation policy that is inclusive for all religions and philosophies.
I would be happy to meet with you to discuss this further and respectfully request a meeting with you on this matter. I will follow up with a phone call to your office within the next week.
Respectfully,
Zenaido Quintana
Chair of the Board
Secular Coalition for Arizona
cc: Vice Mayor Daniel Valenzuela, District 5
Councilmember Thelda Williams, District 1
Councilmember Jim Waring, District 2
Councilmember Bill Gates, District 3
Councilmember Laura Pastor, District 4
Councilmember Sal DiCiccio, District 6
Councilmember Michael Nowakowski, District 7
Councilmember Kate Gallego, District 8