Groups Gather Opposition To Perry Prayer Meeting
AUSTIN (AP) - Civil liberties groups are gathering together in opposition to Governor Rick Perry's day of prayer and fasting this weekend.
The groups, which say they represent tens of thousands of Texans, oppose the governor's prayer meeting on Saturday because they say it disrespects the separation of church and state. They also complain that the groups organizing the event hold extreme positions on freedom of religion, homosexuality and the role of religion in government.
Perry has rejected the criticisms as unfair.
The Texas chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union is hosting an alternative event in Houston Friday night. The Texas Freedom Network sent Perry a letter signed by 10,000 people saying he is using religion for political gain. People for the American Way criticized the event for including intolerant groups.
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