North Carolina resolution rejects authority of federal courts

RALEIGH, N.C. – Two North Carolina lawmakers have filed a resolution asserting that federal courts don't have the authority to decide what is constitutional and the state can make its own laws on the establishment of religion.

Two Rowan County lawmakers proposed the resolution Monday, along with 11 co-sponsors. It declares the state's sovereignty and rejects the authority of federal courts' rulings on religion in North Carolina or on any constitutional issue.

Chris Brook of the North Carolina American Civil Liberties Union says it's unfortunate the state is re-litigating issues that have been resolved for centuries.

Republican Reps. Carl Ford and Harry Warren sponsored the bill. Warren says the bill is only intended to allow Rowan County commissioners to open their meetings with prayers, not to establish a state religion.