For the first time in 70 years, there will be no public prayer gathering at the U.S. Capitol during the National Day of Prayer.
The Rev. Patrick Mahoney, director of the Christian Defense Coalition, was denied a permit to hold the prayer service at the Capitol on Thursday. Peaceful First Amendment activities continue to be prohibited on the grounds of the United States Capitol.
The National Day of Prayer is an annual day of observance held on the first Thursday of May, designated by Congress when people are asked to turn to God in prayer and meditation. The president is required by law to sign a proclamation each year, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day.
Recently, Mahoney filed a federal lawsuit against Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Kamala Harris seeking injunctive relief to hold a public Good Friday Service at the Capitol after his permit application was denied.
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“It is deeply troubling for the first time in 70 years, there will not be a public prayer service at the United States Capitol Building on the National Day of Prayer,” he said. “ Every American needs to be asking the question, `how is it possible to have public prayer prohibited at the Capitol on the National Day of Prayer?’ Especially when it is a national observance designated by Congress.
“The ‘People’s House,’ as the U.S. Capitol building is so rightly called, must be a place where all Americans are afforded the right to come and peacefully celebrate and express their First Amendment Rights. Tragically, those rights and freedoms are being denied and prohibited. I will continue to work to ensure the ‘People’s House’ is returned to the people and the First Amendment is once again celebrated and honored at the United States Capitol.”
-Dwight Widaman | Metro Voice