Plano, TX- Today, Liberty Legal Institute extended a formal offer to defend the City of San Antonio, free of charge, after it was threatened with a lawsuit regarding the invocation prayers at City Council meetings.
"The City of San Antonio has the constitutional right to allow invocations at the beginning of City Council meetings, and we are ready to aid the city in fighting any lawsuit that threatens to prohibit this practice," said Liberty Legal Staff Attorney Jonathan Saenz.
Liberty Legal Institute, which specializes in religious freedom and First Amendment rights, sent the city a letter outlining the laws that protect the city's right to have invocations before City Council meetings.
"It is our understanding that these invocations have been led by a Muslim, those of Jewish faith, a Native American religious practitioner and those of various Christian denominations. The fact that a diverse group of religious practitioners have given the invocations further amplifies the constitutionality of the invocations," Saenz said. "This display of unity by the city council should not destroyed because of the extreme, narrow minded views of one person."
Upon word of the potential lawsuit, Liberty Legal Institute responded with an immediate offer to represent the City of San Antonio by providing free legal assistance.
"Lawsuits like this are completely unjustified and frivolous," said Liberty Legal Institute Director of Litigation Hiram Sasser. "We are confident the City of San Antonio will stand strong and battle to protect First Amendment rights."