WILLIS, TX (WCMH) — A Texas judge is under fire for allowing prayer in his courtroom every day.
Justice of the Peace Wayne Mack starts each day with an opening ceremony that includes a chaplain offering an invocation, KTRK-TV reports. But some attorneys have complained to the Freedom From Religion Foundation about the practice, claiming it’s “unconstitutional.”
“A lot of these attorneys have repeat business before Judge Mack, and not standing up and participating in this prayer practice could have serious consequences for their livelihood,” said Sam Grover.
“I cannot control people being offended and I think a lot of problems in our society today is we’re worried about political correctness,” Judge Mack told KTRK-TV.
There are multiple signs posted outside the courtroom informing people there is an invocation before court begins. The sign also says they are “not required to be present.”
“He is following in the footsteps and example of our United States Supreme Court, the Texas Supreme Court, and both our federal and state legislature, who also have a brief invocation at the beginning of their session,” said Attorney Chelsey Youman, who is speaking on Judge Mack’s behalf.
The Texas Attorney General says he supports the judge, but the Foundation claims the Constitution “protects minority religions and non-religious individuals from this type of event.” It is now considering a lawsuit.