SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- Texas and the valedictorian of a San Antonio-area school have gone to court to allow prayer at Saturday's graduation ceremony despite an agnostic couple's opposition.
Attorney General Greg Abbott on Thursday filed a brief with the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals seeking to lift a federal judge's ban against prayer at the Medina Valley High School ceremony.
The judge Tuesday granted a temporary restraining order against public prayer sought by Christa and Danny Schultz, whose son is graduating.
The family is backed by Americans United for Separation of Church and State.
Valedictorian Angela Hildenbrand joined the fight Thursday, saying her free speech rights would be violated if she's not allowed to thank God during her graduation speech.
A motion has been filed on her behalf by the Liberty Institute.
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