US Supreme Court Rules "Public Prayer at Sports Venues Is Religious Freedom"

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] On the 27th (local time), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that praying publicly after high school sports games falls under religious freedom.

According to local media including the AP, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in favor of Joe Kennedy, the former high school football coach, in the case of 'Kennedy v. Bremerton School District.' In the majority opinion, the Court stated that Kennedy's prayer is protected under the First Amendment (freedom of religion and speech), adding, "The best aspects of the Constitution and tradition encourage mutual respect and tolerance, not censorship or suppression."

Previously, Kennedy, a Christian, had stirred controversy by praying publicly on the field after football games while serving as the football coach at Bremerton High School in Washington State. At the time, the education authorities stated that "praying publicly after school games violates the constitutional separation of church and state." This stance was based on the Supreme Court's 1963 ruling that prohibited prayer or Bible teaching at public school-sponsored events. Kennedy countered by arguing that "the First Amendment guarantees freedom of religion."

Local media analyzed that the Supreme Court, now dominated by conservatives, has officially overturned federal abortion rights and is now recognizing religious activities in public schools more broadly than before, signaling a shift in the long-standing practice of separation of church and state.