Valiant Vote: Alaska Assembly Decides Against Government-Sponsored Prayers
Given the controversial nature of this issue, there was quite a bit of debate before the vote. KTOO News, an Alaska radio network, reported that 10 people spoke in favor of official prayer and eight against it.
Those against it noted correctly that government-sponsored prayers have a tendency to divide communities, even if participation is not technically mandatory.
“Giving it an official place on the agenda makes me feel that if I don’t pray, and do not participate, you will not give my opinions the same weight as someone who does,” said resident Becky King. “I will not be voting for anyone who supports this proposal. You are here to unite the community, not needlessly divide it.”
Others expressed similar sentiment.
“You will alienate me from this assembly if you pass ordinance 1740, because I do not believe in God,” said resident Don Westlund. “And there’s other people who probably do not.”
Westlund added that a government meeting is a place of public business and not a church.
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