BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) – North Dakota legislators heard testimony Thursday on a concurrent resolution that would proclaim Jesus Christ’s kingship in North Dakota.
The concurrent resolution says that “North Dakota acknowledges the Kingship of Jesus Christ over all the world for the state to receive the “blessings” of liberty, discipline, peace, and harmony.
It was introduced by embattled Republican Rep. Nico Rios of Williston who was officially denounced by the state GOP over statements he made involving the Jewish heritage of Mexico’s president.
Testimony was given both for and against the resolution. Included among those opposed to the resolution were two reverends from area churches.
The North Dakota American Civil Liberties Union also gave testimony against the resolution.
“When the state takes an official stance on religious doctrine, even in a non-binding way, it frames governmental and societal conformity to a particular worldview and marginalizes its citizens who practice other faiths or hold secular beliefs,” said Cody Schuler, advocacy manager for the North Dakota ACLU.
The committee gave the resolution a Do-Not-Pass recommendation with an 8 to 1 vote.
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