COLUMBIA (AP) -- South Carolina legislators want to set aside the first Thursday in May as the State Day of Prayer.
Rep. Chip Limehouse says the legislation is in response to a federal judge's ruling last month that the National Day of Prayer is unconstitutional. The Charleston Republican called the ruling an assault on religion.
The leaders of groups that oppose the designated prayer day say South Carolina appears to be the first state to consider such a reactionary measure. The Obama administration has said it will appeal the federal judge's decision.
Annie Laurie Gaylor of the Freedom From Religion Foundation says the proposed state designation would also be unconstitutional.
Barry Lynn with Americans United for Separation of Church and State says the legislation is political grandstanding.
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