Report this comment
  • "If even in 2012 voters have not realised the facts and keep on believing in unscientific stuff and to continue electing those who believe in opium of religion, then there right to attend prayers should not be questioned, provided they also respect rights of those who do not believe in misguided mumbo jumbo to stay away from these ceremonies
    .
    In fact in most councils that is exactly how the system has worked for a very long time
    .
    But sadly some silly character decided to challenge the ‘live and let live’ based approach in court of law, and the judge has passed the judgment which has created the current situation
    .
    Now religious prayers, which in most councils are very poorly attended; probably because most councillors have developed bit of intelligence, can not solve the financial problems of virtually all local authorities
    .
    That can only be achieved when national government starts providing sufficient funding to local councils. As current ConDem Coalition like NuLabour regime before it is hardly likely to do that, I can’t see how councillors attending or ignoring prayers to some imaginary God or Gods could possibly resolve their financial predicaments."
  • This field is mandatory
  • This field is mandatory

  • Please note we will not accept reports with HTML tags or URLs in them.


  • Enter the above word in the box below

Please be fair, courteous and respectful to the views of others so we can build a vibrant community in a safe online environment. You are personal liable for your comments and action will be taken against anyone who offends, ridicules or posts malicious and damaging views. If you wish to complain, please contact us.

Eric Pickles overturns ban on prayers at council meetings

3:36pm Saturday 18th February 2012 in News

Sean Woodward Sean Woodward

Councils have been told they can continue holding prayers before meetings after one Hampshire authority vowed to join others in defying a ban.

The Government has rushed through new powers onto the statute book, days after a High Court ruling said it was unlawful for councils to incorporate prayers into proceedings.

It comes as the leader of one Hampshire authority said he would have been willing to defy the "ridiculous" ban.

Local Government secretary Eric Pickles has moved swiftly to overrule the controversial judgement.

He signed a parliamentary order that came into effect at midnight making the practice of holding prayers lawful.

It brings forward a power contained in the Government's Localism Act, which was due to come into force in April.

The ruling, by Mr Justice Ouseley, had been branded 'ridiculous' and 'anti-Christian' by some councillors, who were prepared to defy the ban before Mr Pickles intervened.

Cllr Sean Woodward, leader of Fareham Borough Council, said: “When I became the leader of Fareham Borough Council I formalised prayers on the council agenda and we have had them at the start of every full council meeting ever since. That was 13 years ago.

“But now I have been told by the council's solicitor that, if the prayers appear on the agenda for this week's meeting, I will be breaking the law and could face prosecution. That is just ridiculous. The Church of England is the established church in this country and saying prayers at the start of council meetings is a tradition that should not be changed.”

The ruling came after an atheist former councillor took Bideford Town Council in Devon to the court, with the backing of the National Secular Society.

On the new powers given to councils Mr Pickles said: “We are striking a blow for localism over central interference, for freedom to worship over intolerant secularism, for parliamentary sovereignty over judicial activism, and for longstanding British liberties over modern-day political correctness.

“Last week's case should be seen as a wake-up call. For too long, the public sector has been used to marginalise and attack faith in public life, undermining the very foundations of the British nation. But this week, the tables have turned.”

Local Businesses

About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree