Louisiana Senate Bill SCR73

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/10/10
• Passed: 5/10/10
• Engrossed: 5/10/10

Caption

Commends the mayor and city of Carencro for holding the National Day of Prayer and confirms and defends the right of every person to celebrate the National Day of Prayer.

Impact

This bill acknowledges and aligns with the legislative intents to uphold public prayer events while pushing back against judicial rulings that seek to limit expressions of faith in public life. By affirming the right to celebrate the National Day of Prayer, the resolution essentially seeks to reinforce the cultural and historical narrative surrounding religious observances in Louisiana. This legislative act serves as a testament to local government's role in maintaining traditional values in the face of legal challenges.

Summary

SCR73 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that commends the mayor and city of Carencro for their steadfastness in conducting the National Day of Prayer, despite external pressures and a court ruling that questioned the constitutional validity of such observances. The resolution affirms the rights of individuals to celebrate this day, emphasizing its historical significance rooted in the traditions of American governance and national identity. It highlights the long-standing practice initiated by the founding fathers, who sought divine guidance during critical periods in the formation of the nation.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SCR73 is predominantly positive among its supporters, who view the resolution as a necessary stand for religious freedoms and rights. Proponents of the resolution advocate that such public expressions of faith should not be curtailed by judicial decisions. However, the declaration also serves to highlight a contentious discourse between differing views on the separation of church and state, indicating a polarization around the cultural implications of such a resolution.

Contention

Key points of contention about the resolution stem from its responses to external pressures such as those from the Freedom from Religion Foundation, which criticized Carencro's observance of the National Day of Prayer. Opponents of such public prayer events may view this resolution as a challenge to constitutional principles regarding governmental endorsement of religion and potential overreach by local governments in asserting religious traditions. These discussions reflect ongoing debates about the balance between expressing religious identity and ensuring governmental neutrality in matters of faith.