Houston VA accused of religious discrimination

Houston VA accused of religious discrimination
By Juan A. Lozano - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Aug 22, 2011 15:27:52 EDT
HOUSTON — A federal judge on Monday asked attorneys for several veterans groups and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to work toward settling a lawsuit accusing Houston VA officials of religious discrimination.

Three local veterans groups have accused VA officials at the Houston National Cemetery of banning such religious words as “God” and censoring their prayers at soldiers’ funerals.

The lawsuit filed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars District 4, the American Legion Post 586 and the National Memorial Ladies says VA officials barred prayer and religious speech in burials at the Houston cemetery unless families submit a specific prayer or message in writing to the cemetery’s director. The lawsuit also accuses VA officials of not allowing them to use religious words such as “God” or “Jesus.”

During a hearing on the lawsuit, U.S. District Judge Lynn Hughes called on both sides to find a solution.

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