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Proposal to add invocation at county board meetings fails after legal concerns
Summary
A proposal to add invocations or other opening religious observances to county board meetings prompted a lengthy debate over First Amendment risks; members cited Greece/Galloway and Lund/Rowan and ultimately voted the ordinance down.
Supervisor Meadows presented an ordinance seeking to add an invocation or other opening solemnity—prayer, poem or moment of silence—to county board meetings as a way to honor tradition. Supporters framed it as adding solemnity and unity and noted precedent in federal and state legislatures.
Opponents warned the change could trigger Establishment Clause litigation. Counsel and multiple supervisors cited case law and recommended a more-limited moment of silence to reduce legal risk. After extended debate about precedent, risk and administration, the motion to approve the ordinance failed on a roll-call vote.
