The Freedom From Religion Foundation is suing Governor Rick Perry (R-TX). In particular they want him to be prevented “from continuing to call, organize, promote and participate in the Aug. 6 prayer rally at Reliant Stadium.”

I agree with FFRF that this is a case of the governor admitting that he’s unable to fix the very things that are his job to fix and a pius attempt to save face. In the Governor’s own words:

This is Governor Rick Perry and I’m inviting you to join your fellow Americans in a day of prayer and fasting on behalf of our nation. As an elected leader, I am all too aware of government’s limitations when it comes to fixin’ things that are spiritual in nature. That’s where prayer comes in, and we need it more than ever. With the economy in trouble, communities in crisis and people adrift in a sea of moral relativism, we need God’s help. That’s why I’m calling on Americans to pray and fast like Jesus did, and as God called the Israelite to do in the Book of Joel. I sincerely hope you will join me in Houston on August the sixth and take your place in Reliant Stadium with praying people asking God’s forgiveness, his wisdom and provision for our state and nation. To learn more, visit TheResponseUSA.com, then makes plans to be part of something even bigger than Texas.

What I’m curious about is if Perry were to do a scripture reading and give the invocation at his local church, would FFRF take issue with that?

**Update – They wouldn’t.**

It seems to me that even elected officials have freedom of speech and religion. Sure, using his title in all of this is in poor taste, but anybody in Texas that’s going to hear his message is going to know who he is anyway. If state funds and/or other resources are being used for this event, then I think there would be grounds for a legitimate lawsuit.

**Update – I was wrong. He issued an official proclamation and has used state resources to promote this.**

I like FFRF and generally support their cases, but this is nothing short of an attempt to get the court to censor someone. That’s just not right.

**Update – Now that I know more of the facts, I support this case.**