The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly revisited the topic of invocations at their Dec. 6 meeting. For the last four months, they have debated whether to restrict who is allowed to give the invocation, or prayer, that begins each Assembly meeting.
The Borough Assembly originally approved a resolution on Nov. 22, which would have eliminated their current policy and allowed anyone to give the invocation.
Assembly Member Blaine Gilman made a motion to reconsider the issue, which was approved on Dec. 6 in a 5 to 3 vote. Assembly President Kelly Cooper and Assembly Members Brandii Holmdahl and Gary Knopp voted against the motion to reconsider.
After a lengthy debate, the Assembly voted for a second time on the resolution that would have eliminated the invocation policy. That resolution failed in a four to four tie vote. The Borough Assembly will now revert to its policy passed on Oct. 11, in which the invocation is restricted to individuals or organizations on a pre-approved list.
Several Homer residents testified telephonically against the invocation policy at the Borough Assembly Annex building.
Homer resident Barrett Fletcher said he is concerned about a costly lawsuit challenging the current invocation policy.
“I’m wondering if the five of you that are for reinstating these rules and setting the Borough up for a significant lawsuit that you’re almost certain to lose are prepared to reimburse the taxpayers,” said Fletcher.
Elise Boyer, also of Homer, said the Assembly should make all Alaskans feel welcome to take part in local government.
“I would like to rest easy in the knowledge that my elected officials are looking out for the good of all of us, not just a few. I hope that tonight will be the end of the restrictive invocation rules and that the Kenai Borough can get back to valuing all Alaskans,” said Boyer.
Roberta Highland said the most important part of democracy is creating a process that is fair for all.
“We all have the equal right to our own religion or non-religion and no one has the right to dictate their views upon anyone else in the United States,” said Highland.