Nontheistic religious organization brought action against city, alleging that city council violated organization’s rights under Establishment Clause and free exercise rights under Massachusetts constitution when city councilors did not invite organization or allow its request to give invocation before start of weekly meeting. Parties cross-moved for summary judgment.
The District Court held that:
- Organization could not prevail on its claim against city for violation of Establishment Clause;
- Council’s practice of legislative prayer did not violate Establishment Clause; and
- Organization could not prevail on its claim against city for violation of its free exercise rights under Massachusetts constitution.