Atheists sue to stop Brewer from declaring day of prayer

East Valley Tribune: “The First Amendment says you can’t prohibit the free exercise of religion,” said Cathi Herrod, president of the Center for Arizona Policy. And Herrod, who also is an attorney, called the concept of a separation of church and state “a fallacy.” Brett Harvey, senior legal counsel to the Scottsdale-based Alliance Defense Fund, said what Brewer – and others – have done with these declarations is legal. “It is perfectly acceptable for politicians and for public officials to recognize the religious heritage of this country,” he said. And Harvey said the U.S. Supreme Court has even upheld things like prayers to open meetings and swear in public officials.