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Alabama protesters call for school prayer
November 27, 1997
Web posted at: 8:10 p.m. EST (0110 GMT)RAINSVILLE, Alabama (CNN) -- Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Rainsville, Alabama, on Thanksgiving Day to plead for the return of prayer in public schools.
The march was in reaction to a decision last month by U.S. District Court Judge Ira DeMent, who ordered an end to school-sponsored religious activities, such as prayers during morning announcements and at school events.
While DeMent's ruling came from a case originating in DeKalb County, in Alabama's northeast corner, it is now considered a legal standard that applies to the whole state. And that doesn't sit well with many people here who believe DeMent's decision tramples on their freedom of religion -- and that, because it isn't forced on students, school prayer is constitutional.
"It's God's will that this nation that was founded as a nation under God would once again become one nation under God, and that we would put God back at the center, not only of our schools, but at the center of our society," says John Holkem, a school prayer supporter.
DeMent's ruling was the latest in a string of controversial decisions on church-state separation issues in northeast Alabama.
A judge in Gadsden, Roy Moore, has been ordered to stop conducting prayers in his courtroom and displaying the Ten Commandments. That led Alabama Gov. Fob James, a supporter of prayer in public schools, to vow to use state troopers, if necessary, to allow Moore to continue the prayers.
In March, DeMent struck down a law that required schools to allow voluntary student-initiated prayers at school events, saying it created excessive state entanglement in religion.
In November, nearly 60 middle school students were suspended for two days in Albertville after they walked out of class and marched on City Hall to protest DeMent's ruling.
Where the protest movement will go next is uncertain, given that recent court rulings have gone against the protesters' position. But opponents of DeMent's rulings say they have the power of protest -- and the power of prayer.
Correspondent Brian Cabell contributed to this report.
Related stories:
- Students suspended for protesting prayer ruling - November 6, 1997
- Alabama school prayer law struck down - March 13, 1997
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