A federal court ruled Thursday that the Greece Town Board can continue opening public meetings with prayer.

Americans United for Separation of Church and State sued the town on behalf of two residents who were against the practice.

AU filed the lawsuit in February 2008.

The court found that the prayers did not violate the First Amendment because the government was not controlling the content of prayer.

A legal counsel representing the town says America's founders opened public meetings with prayer and that should remain the same.

Town Supervisor John Auberger says the decision is "a victory for free speech."

Town of Greece