Amid ACLU concern, Jackson stands by rodeo prayer

Concerns raised by the American Civil Liberties Union aren't budging Jackson officials to do away with a public prayer said over a loudspeaker before the town's summertime rodeo. Mayor Mark Barron says the council doesn't plan further changes to the prayer. The Town Council didn't take up the prayer at its meeting Monday. The ACLU wrote town officials last month, saying some rodeo attendees felt pressured to participate in the prayer. The prayer had mentioned the Bible and Jesus Christ. The ACLU claimed violation of separation of church and state. The town has since amended its contract with the rodeo organizer to require a new, nonsectarian prayer to be said. Jennifer Horvath with the ACLU says the minor changes are insufficient.