The Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners voted 4–1 on July 22 to rescind a resolution from 2018 that permitted public prayer at the start of their meetings. This decision ends a practice previously protected by the Constitution and upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Resolution 2018-25, passed five years ago, recognized the historical and legal tradition of opening government meetings with prayer. However, commissioners argued that such prayers could be seen as exclusive or unfair, potentially hostile to certain identities or groups. No evidence was presented to support these claims.
New Mexico Family Action Movement (NM FAM) responded critically to the decision. Jodi Hendricks, Executive Director of NM FAM, said: "We are sincerely disappointed in the Commissioners' decision to eliminate prayer from public meetings. This vote reflects a growing misunderstanding of both the Constitution and the role of faith in public life."
The commissioners cited concerns about religious favoritism and a desire for neutrality. Yet, according to Hendricks, "the Supreme Court’s decision in Town of Greece v. Galloway makes clear that voluntary prayer—so long as it does not coerce participation or promote one religion—is fully constitutional and consistent with America’s traditions."
NM FAM expressed support for Doña Ana County residents who value faith and freedom, pledging continued advocacy for policies protecting religious expression.
