Group asks Fountain Hills Town Council to stop religious invocations at meetings

A group that advocates for the First Amendment’s separation of church and state is asking the Fountain Hills Town Council to stop doing religious invocations at meetings.

At least two council members say the practice is fine.

The request by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, which counts more than 1,000 Arizonans as members, was recently made via an email sent to council members.

The note says the invocation at a September meeting shortly after Charlie Kirk was assassinated led to a resident complaint that council members were promoting a religion.

“Well, it’s boilerplate, people that are easily offended and think they can bully the town and the people of the town,” said Allen Skillicorn, vice mayor of Fountain Hills.

In a statement, Councilwoman Gayle Earle said invocation participation is voluntary, and the town welcomes prayers from all denominations as well as speakers who aren’t religiously affiliated.

A legal battle may be brewing

The Freedom from Religion Foundation letter cites recent Supreme Court case law that the First Amendment mandates government neutrality between religions.

“Frankly, the letter writer is using a remedial understanding of what the Constitution means,” Skillicorn said.

In a statement, Councilwoman Brenda Kalivianakis said council members proselytizing violates the First Amendment and exposes the town to legal action and costs.