Clergy Protest Virginia's New Trooper Chaplain Policy, Governor Supports Change
Last week, I posted about VA's new policy requiring state police chaplains to deliver inclusive, non-sectarian prayers when participating in official, state-sponsored events. 6 of the 17 chaplains in the program resigned in protest of that directive, and now clergy from around the state are urging Governor Tim Kaine to reverse the decision of Police Chief Steven Flaherty.
House Majority Leader H. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, has also entered the fray, accusing Kaine's administration of violating the chaplains' First Amendment rights by forcing them to "disregard their own faith."In response, Kaine said he gave no directive to state police but supports Flaherty's decision.
In a statement, Flaherty said his decision was based on his belief that a state government agency needs to be inclusive and respectful of the "varied ethnicities, cultures and beliefs of our employees, their families and citizens at large."