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After a 7½ hour hearing in a Pensacola, Florida federal court last Friday, district judge Casey Rodgers told Michelle Winkler that she would not be held in civil contempt over her husband’s prayer at an off-campus awards banquet. Mrs. Winkler, a clerical assistant for the Santa Rosa County School District, is represented by Liberty Counsel.

Last year after the ACLU filed a lawsuit against the school district, Judge Rodgers entered a broad, consent order regarding prayer and religious activities of school employees.

The ACLU ran to court, claiming that Winkler should be held in civil contempt of the court order. The ACLU claimed it had a "rock-solid case" against Winkler, but after the 7½ hour hearing, its case crumbled.

On September 17, Liberty Counsel will be back in court defending Principal Frank Lay and Athletic Director Robert Freeman on charges of criminal contempt over a blessing of the meal at a separate luncheon to honor private contributors to the athletic program.

Read our News Release for more details and watch the video.

A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words!

See the pictures after the hearing:

How the ACLU attorneys reacted to losing their "rock solid case".

After the ruling, an overjoyed Ms. Winkler hugged Liberty Counsel senior litigation counsel Horatio Mihet.

Dozens of additional supporters spent the day waiting and praying outside the courthouse.

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