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Wednesday's federal court ruling barring sectarian prayer at the Indiana House of Representatives has drawn the attention of state representatives.
"I think this shows that the people are trying to advance an agenda where God is no longer appreciated in this country. The court upheld it and they are upholding a minority belief in this country," Ruppel said.
The decision results from a lawsuit filed by the Indiana Civil Liberties Union in May, which argued that many prayers and songs from the House held Christianity above other practiced religions, thus violating the Constitution.
"I'm not surprised, but I'm very frustrated with the situation," Representative Dave Wolkins, Winona Lake, said. "The prayers conducted at the House were never proselytizing the Christian religion and other religions were welcome to the sessions.
"The ICLU is out to get religion out of anything public in this country," he said. "This was one of the neatest, most spontaneous things that took place (at the House.) It's unfortunate it's come to this situation."
In a press release, Ruppel said the Wednesday ruling "takes away from the rights" of both majority and minority religions.
"No one is mandated to be in the Chambers when a prayer is given, it is entirely voluntary to listen to the prayer," Ruppel said. "This is taking away the rights of the people and our forefathers are rolling over in their graves today with this decision. I hope we appeal it to the higher court."
House Speaker Brian Bosma has yet to decide on whether he will appeal the decision or follow the order.
