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Injunction Denied In Newdow's Challenge To Inaugural Oath and Prayers

By Howard M. Friedman

The Washington Post reports that this afternoon federal district judge Reggie B. Walton denied a temporary injunction in Newdow v. Roberts. The decision allows Barack Obama's swearing-in to include use of "so help me God" in the oath administered by Chief Justice John Roberts. The decision also refuses to prevent clergy from delivering an invocation and benediction at the inaugural ceremony. (See prior related postings 1, 2, 3.)

UPDATE: Christianity Today reports that in denying the injunction, Judge Walton said he thought it questionable whether he had authority to issue such an injunction. Walton equated inaugural prayers with legislative prayer that Supreme Court precedent has permitted. While denying the preliminary injunction, the court did not dismiss the case.

Full post as published by Religion Clause on January 15, 2009 (boomark / email).