Atheists to city of Rowlett: Let us give council invocations, too | Dallas Morning News

"As long as I’m mayor, we are going to pray.”
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A Supreme Court decision in May about invocations at City Council meetings left the city of Rowlett claiming victory, but Metroplex Atheists members say they instead are to benefit.

The organization, backed by the Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation, is giving the city 10 business days to respond to a request to add two of its Rowlett members to the list of those who can give the invocation at council meetings.

“We would still rather see no invocation at all in government meetings, but if they’re going to have them, we want to push for equal time,” said Randy Word, president of the area group, which has been battling the city for four years.

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In light of the same ruling, the national Freedom From Religion Foundation asked the city in a June 24 letter to revisit its policy for selecting who gives the invocation.

“Specifically, we ask that you ensure that nonbelievers are given equal opportunity to deliver invocations at council meetings,” wrote Sam Grover, attorney for the foundation.

Metroplex Atheists Rowlett established as a subsidiary to the area group 18 months ago and took a post office box address within the city. It meets in Rowlett and names two Rowlett residents as its directors. One is registered with the American Humanist Association to give secular invocations.

City leaders say it’s another shift in the group’s direction over the years, driven by a desire for publicity.

Word said Metroplex Atheists is in Rowlett because it has members living there, one of whom in 2010 made the original request for the council invocations to cease. Word describes Metroplex Atheists as a community and points to the group’s recent adopt-a-street commitment in Rowlett as community involvement.

City Attorney David Berman said Tuesday that Rowlett’s position was unchanged and that the city probably wouldn’t respond to the letter. Mayor Todd Gottel also reaffirmed his stance.

Atheists to city of Rowlett: Let us give council invocations, too | Dallas Morning News