City council here balked at a Supreme Court ruling Monday night with politicians saying reading a prayer does not infringe on individual rights.

Except for one thing – city clerk Kevin Heath will not be saying ‘amen’ at the end of the prayer.

“The prayer has always been non-denominational. I don’t think it infringes against any religion. What bothers me the most is … when you sing the national anthem it has the word ‘God’ in it. It’s a Christian recognition. Are they going to change that down the road too?” asked Deputy Mayor Jim Alyea.

The Supreme Court made its ruling April 15 after Saguenay, QC resident Alain Simoneau – an atheist – filed a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal.

Saguenay city council ended its prayer with “in the name of the Father, son and the Holy Spirit.

Simoneau claimed that prayer violated his freedom of religion and conscience.

The court ruled the state had the duty to be neutral.

Quinte West city council voted continue with saying a prayer.

But Heath said although the city could argue its prayers are non-denominational, the issue remains that in order to satisfy the state of neutrality a government must not adopt, nor favour one religious belief and must not infringe on an individuals’s ability to act in accordance with their own beliefs.

“If the city determines to continue with prayers at council meetings there is an apparent risk the city could be challenged. It is very probable the case would be used as a precedent with the city proving that it has met the test of neutrality,” said Heath.

Politicians were willing to risk the potential legal ramifications.

“I listened to tonight’s prayer and don’t know how it can be interpreted any other way than be non-denominational,” said Coun. Allan DeWitt.

Heath said no one has complained about the prayer in the past. But he did say other councils have adopted a ‘moment of silent reflection’ to replace a prayer.

Only Sidney ward Coun. Karen Sharpe wanted a change. She suggested dropping the prayer in favour of holding a silent moment of reflection.

“Times are changing,” said Sharpe, suggesting individuals could pray in silence.

Other councillors said the prayer will stand the test of time.

“It (the prayer) is not infringing on anyone’s rights,” said Mayor Jim Harrison.

ernst.kuglin@sunmedia.ca