[+/-] Appeals court denies stay of legislative prayer ruling

A win for civil rights:

A federal appeals court is refusing to temporarily lift a judge's order banning prayers during Indiana House proceedings from mentioning Jesus Christ or endorsing any particular religion.

The court denied a request by House Speaker Brian Bosma that an injunction be set aside until Bosma's appeal can be heard.

The appeals court said the case involves the internal proceedings of a legislative body and deserves additional review. But the ruling says Bosma didn't meet a legal burden to put the order on hold until the appeal could be heard.

House members have been complying with the order by meeting for informal prayers in the back of their chambers before official business begins.