Americans United and our allies urged a federal appeals court to affirm that nontheists should be allowed to give invocations at the public meetings of the Brevard County, Fla., Board of County Commissioners.

“No one should be excluded from civic affairs because they do not believe in God. Prohibiting nonbelievers from solemnizing governmental meetings is religious discrimination, plain and simple," said AU Associate Legal Director Alex J. Luchenitser.

Public meetings are vital government functions that should welcome all citizens to attend and participate. Invocations – especially those that only represent a majority faith and exclude religious minorities and non-believers from participating – can send the exact opposite message.