Bill Would Create SC Day of Prayer

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ South Carolina senators will consider creating a State Day of Prayer to coincide with the national one. A bill designating the first Thursday in May is up for debate this week by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Rep. Chip Limehouse of Mount Pleasant initially proposed the idea in 2010, soon after a federal judge declared the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional. Limehouse called it an assault on religion and said he wanted a state day in place in case the Obama administration lost its appeal. A federal appeals court last year ordered that lawsuit dismissed. Limehouse said Monday the state should still endorse a day of reflection. The Freedom From Religion Foundation says it hasn’t given up on the issue and contends a state designation is more vulnerable in the courts.