By: Jen Petersen, Communications Associate
The ACLU knows a thing or two about religious liberty. We work to protect the First Amendment rights of all South Dakotans, regardless of their religious beliefs or non-beliefs. That's why we sent a letter in response to Attorney General Marty Jackley's letter regarding his use of Christian prayer at a press conference last week.
The promotion of religion is the responsibility of religious leaders, parents, and individuals - not the Attorney General. Religious freedom thrives when the government stays out of religion. We want a country where people are free to express their religious viewpoints without government offices deciding which beliefs should be endorsed and which should be opposed. Turning an official press conference into a vehicle for government sponsored prayer is simply a violation of the Constitution.