A Winnipeg man has launched a human rights fight to stop prayers at city council meetings.
But city officials say their lawyers have advised them they're on solid ground with the practice.
Tony Governo says the prayer that starts every council meeting excludes atheists such as himself.
Governo notes that last year, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled the Quebec town of Saguenay could not open its meetings with Catholic prayer because it infringed on freedom of conscience and religion.
However, city officials say their legal advice has been they don't fall under the same umbrella because the practice in Winnipeg is nondenominational.
Councillors take turns delivering the prayer and are allowed to use a prayer from any faith.
"We want to ensure that we're doing what we can do to make sure city hall is inclusive as possible and that also means being inclusive of those that choose to express themselves through a religious lens," says Mayor Brian Bowman.
(CTV Winnipeg)
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