By Howard Fischer | Capitol Media Services/Arizona Daily Star
A top House leader criticized an atheist Democrat lawmaker Thursday for using the time set aside for prayer to instead give thanks for diverse beliefs — including the belief there is no higher power.
Majority Leader Steve Montenegro declared that Rep. Juan Mendez, D-Tempe, had violated House rules that require each day’s session begin with a “prayer.” That’s because Mendez used the time to talk about the “pluralistic society.”
Related: Phoenix council votes to restore prayer before meetings/AP
