This morning at approximately 11:15 a.m. central time, Speaker of the Indiana House Brian C. Bosma made remarks regarding the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals hearing on legislative prayer at the Indiana House of Representatives. Both sides in the Hinrichs v. Bosma case presented their arguments to a three judge panel regarding the appeal. The trial court ruling places restrictive limits on the type of prayer allowed in the Indiana House of Representatives.

"I am hopeful that today we took a step towards reinstating the freedom of speech and the open acceptance of all religions in the Indiana House of Representatives. We have and will continue to view each faith as equal under the law. Our 189 year tradition of inviting Clerics of all faiths to open each day’s legislative session has been one that is respectful of the diversity in our ever increasing pluralistic society.

For the first time in this nation’s history, legislators and invited Clergy have been prohibited from praying in accordance with their own beliefs. This case not only affects the Indiana General Assembly but has broader implications for all units of federal, state and local government. I am encouraged that the Court of Appeals seemed to recognize these implications.

Our case was presented extremely well by our legal team with assistance from the U.S. Department of Justice. We will continue our efforts to defend the right of every citizen and every person of faith to come before the Indiana House of Representatives and offer a prayer without censorship and without government review."

Audio attached: In the lobby of the Dirksen Federal Building, Speaker Brian Bosma spoke on the hearing that was completed just minutes earlier.