Alleging that a Mt. Juliet elementary school Christmas play, a group of praying parents, a national prayer day and teacher-led prayer in class are among a range of religious activities that violate the separation of church and state, the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee filed a suit in federal court yesterday.

The suit was filed on behalf of two Old Hickory parents, who said the activities were "highly offensive" and subjected their young son - a kindergartener at the school last year - to "religious proselytizing."

.....The suit says the religious activities led the parents to pull their son out of school to homeschool him.

The suit does not name the parents or child. It asks the court to allow the parents to pursue the action anonymously, saying "they fear community reprisals and attacks, and ostracism, and because their minor child, James Doe, remains of tender years and sensibilities."

Recent Legislation promoted in Congress by US Rep. John Hostettler ( R-Indiana ) and in the US Senate by Senator Sam Brownback ( R-Kansas ) would eliminate financial awards to attorneys pursuing such Establishment Clause cases. HR 2679, Hostettler's bill, has already passed a House vote. The companion bill in the Senate, S3696, is due for a vote.

In an orwellian contrast to the fear of isolated families afraid of harassment and reprisals should they contest Christian religious proselytizing in public schools, HR 2679 and S3696 bear the name "The Public Expression Of Religion Act". ( see : Establishment Clause Adult Attention Deficit Disorder and H.R. 2679, The "Christian Supremacy Act", To Hit House Floor