The Pennsylvania House has a longstanding practice of opening its sessions with invocations, which are often delivered by guests from the community. In 2014, several nontheists in the state began making requests to take part in that practice. After they were turned down, they asked Americans United for help.

Thanks to Americans United, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives has been ordered to end its exclusionary conduct of refusing to allow nontheist invocations during its sessions.

“Government’s first duty is to treat all citizens equally, regardless of what they may believe or not believe about religion,” said Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United. “Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives failed in that task, and we’re glad the court has set them straight.”