Bay State prayer law struck down by court

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has enjoined the state from enforcing its new school prayer law on the grounds that it is an unconstitutional state sponsorship of religion. The court has promised a more detailed ruling later. The state will wait for that later ruling before deciding whether to appeal to federal courts.

The prayer law compelled teachers to allow time for voluntary prayer to be led by student volunteers. Teachers and students not wishing to take part were allowed to leave the classroom.