Huge Win For Rick Perry, Free Speech: Judge Tosses Lawsuit Against Texas Governor and Prayer Rally

HOUSTON, July 28, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit against Texas Gov. Rick Perry citing that the plaintiffs, Kay Staley and the Freedom from Religion Foundation, had no standing in the case.  Staley claimed that Gov. Perry's call for a day of prayer for the nation, and his participation in the prayer rally, The Response, were unconstitutional because they violated the Establishment Clause.

Liberty Institute filed a motion to intervene and argued in court today on behalf of the American Family Association (AFA), which is planning and promoting The Response, scheduled to take place August 6 at Houston's Reliant Stadium.

"This is a complete and total victory for freedom and the First Amendment," said Kelly Shackelford, president/CEO for Liberty Institute. "The judge rightly dismissed this case and the national prayer event will go on as planned. This was an attack on the First Amendment rights of every American, and it failed miserably."

"The swiftness of the court's decision shows how ridiculous this case is," said Tim Wildmon, president of AFA. "AFA is very thankful for Liberty Institute for handling this case and championing religious freedom for America."

Kay Staley, a lead plaintiff in the lawsuit, has been a part of other suits seeking to silence religious expression in the public square. The most recent lawsuit filed on her behalf attacked the Houston City Council and Councilwoman Anne Clutterbuck for reading The Lord's Prayer to begin a council meeting. Liberty Institute represented Clutterbuck and the suit was dismissed with prejudice last August.

SOURCE Liberty Institute