§9682. Political subdivisions; voluntary prayer

            A. A political subdivision may open proceedings with a voluntary prayer. However, no official or standard prayer shall be prescribed by the political subdivision.

            B. This Section is intended to reflect the tradition and practice of ceremonial invocations that are meant to lend gravity to a public occasion.

            C. Nothing in this Section shall be construed to limit or restrict the rights of any individual who voluntarily chooses to pray at the opening of proceedings as it relates to the individual's right of freedom of speech or right of the free exercise of religion as guaranteed pursuant to the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States.

            Acts 2016, No. 575, §1.