PRESS RELEASE

July 8, 2010

A NC Pastor’s Invitation to Offer the Opening Legislative Prayer

for the NC House of Representatives Was Rescinded

Because His Religion Requires Him to Pray in Jesus’ Name

Dr. Ron Baity, pastor of Berean Baptist Church, Winston Salem, NC, is requesting a letter of apology and another opportunity to offer the open legislative prayer before the North Carolina House of Representatives after his initial invitation for the week of May 31 to June 3 was rescinded because Pastor Baity’s religion requires him to pray in Jesus’ Name.

Pastor Baity said: “I was made to feel like a second class North Carolinian when I was told that my services would no longer be needed if I could not offer the opening prayer in the manner prescribed by the House of Representatives, rather than in the manner my Biblical faith requires.  It appears that only those religious leaders willing to pray a government prescribed prayer will be given the honor of participating in this legislative prayer exercise in the future.” 

Attorney David C Gibbs III, of Gibbs Law Firm and the Christian Law Association of Seminole, Florida, who appeared with Dr. Baity at his Press Conference on July 8, 2010, noted: “The First Amendment promises all Americans the free exercise of their religion, which includes the right to pray as their faith requires, even when they are invited to open state legislative sessions with prayer.  We trust that the North Carolina House of Representatives will realize its mistake and will offer Pastor Baity another opportunity to pray without requiring him to use a prayer that is mandated by the government.”

Attorney Gibbs added: “There is no authority in American history, tradition or Supreme Court precedent that requires a legislature to censor a private citizen’s prayers in order to participate in a benefit or privilege that is offered to other citizens of the state.” 

Dr. Baity released a lengthy letter written by his attorneys at his Press Conference explaining the underlying legal principles for allowing Dr. Baity to have the opportunity to pray.  This letter has been sent to the both the Speaker and the Clerk of the House.  A response is being requested within ten days.