Judicial Insight

Everyday Law · Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit

Sep 22, 2026 · 24-5207 · Appeal

A minister with a cross faces a police officer on the Eastern Steps, debating public prayer.AI illustration

Can a minister pray on the Capitol steps without Congress?

A minister challenges rules to pray publicly at the historic Eastern Steps.

TL;DR

  1. 1A minister wants to pray on the Capitol steps with a few others.
  2. 2Current rules say he needs a to sponsor him.
  3. 3This rule gives Congress members too much control over who can protest there.

Appeal

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Can the minister pray on the Capitol steps without Congress' approval?

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