School Prayer Debate Gets Heated

Breaking News Update: 6:30 p.m.
---Principal Frank Lay and Athletic Director
Robert Freeman found not guilty in school prayer case. We will much more on News 5 at 10:00 p.m. and later on WKRG.com.

(AP) - A rural Panhandle principal and his
athletic director were met with cheers by more than 300 people as
they walked into a Pensacola federal court to face contempt charges
for allegedly violating a judge's order against promoting school
prayer.

Pace High School Principal Frank Lay and Athletic Director
Robert Freeman face jail time and fines if Judge M. Case Rodgers
finds they violated a 2008 agreement with the American Civil
Liberties Union that was approved by the court.

The agreement prohibited school officials from praying or
promoting prayer at school events.

The court was filled to capacity when the proceedings began
Thursday morning. Christian protesters and students and faculty
lined the streets outside with signs and megaphones protesting the
ACLU.

News 5's Tiffany Craig will have a live report from the courthouse tonight on News 5 at 5:00 and 6:00.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)