Attorney General Van Hollen Announces Dismissal of Challenge to Wisconsin Day of Prayer - Freedom From Religion Foundation Case Will Not Proceed Against Wisconsin

MADISON - Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced today that the Wisconsin Department of Justice has obtained the dismissal, with prejudice, of all claims against Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle in the case of Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. et al. v. President Barack Obama et al. 

"We believed from the start that this case lacked merit and should not proceed.  The stipulated dismissal, with prejudice, vindicates that view," Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen stated.        

The dismissed case alleged that Governor Doyle violated the Establishment Clause of the United States Constitution and article I,  18 of the Wisconsin Constitution, by designating a Wisconsin Day of Prayer and issuing day-of-prayer proclamations in conjunction with National Day of Prayer proclamations issued by Presidents Obama and Bush.  The dismissal of the claims against Governor Doyle was accomplished by filing a joint stipulation of the parties in the United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin and is effective immediately.  The dismissal with prejudice is equivalent in legal effect to a judgment in the Governor's favor on the merits of all claims directed at Wisconsin Day of Prayer activities.  The case will continue against the President and other defendants.