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Council tables policy on invocations after public comment and attorney review
Summary
After a public comment opposing prayers at meetings and a summary of legal concerns from the city attorney, the Community Development Committee recommended the city attorney draft a policy; the item was tabled to the next council meeting for full consideration.
Detroit Lakes — The council tabled consideration of a policy to implement invocations or prayers before council meetings after a public commenter urged the city not to adopt such a policy and the CDC reviewed a city‑attorney memorandum outlining legal risks.
During public comment, Janelle stated opposition to adding prayers before sessions, arguing such invocations inherently carry political meaning for a legislative body and could privilege one faith in practice. "I wanted to speak against this measure... the proposal to implement prayer/invocation prior to sessions," she said, asking how content guidelines would be enforced if the city cannot regulate invocation content.
CDC chairwoman Spray summarized attorney guidance and recommended that the city attorney draft a policy incorporating suggested safeguards (timing of invocation, content guidance differentiating "God" from sectarian references such as "Jesus Christ", and process items). The committee and council agreed to table the item until a draft policy can be presented with all council members present.
No final policy was adopted; the city attorney will produce a draft for council review at a future meeting.
