“David Williamson set a high standard that we hope is emulated by future invocation speakers, in Brevard County and throughout America: He offered words of encouragement by focusing on the shared values that unite our communities," said Alex J. Luchenitser, AU's associate vice president and associate legal director. "Elected officials across the country should follow the wise example Brevard County has now set by ensuring that no one is denied an opportunity to solemnize governmental meetings because of their beliefs about religion.”

“This settlement protects the religious freedom of everyone in Brevard County," said Alex J. Luchenitser, associate legal director of Americans United and lead counsel in the case. "No one should be excluded from participating in local government because of their beliefs about religion."

“Brevard County Commissioners were using religion as the basis for discrimination by allowing only people of preferred faiths to offer invocations. Religious minorities and nonbelievers are equal members of society and they must be treated equally by their elected officials. The court’s decision today made clear that no one should be excluded from civic affairs because of their beliefs about God," said AU Associate Legal Director Alex J. Luchenitser.