PACE, Fla. (AP) - A Florida high school's principal and athletic director are scheduled to go on trial next week for praying with other adults at a school-related luncheon.

Pace High School Principal Frank Lay and Athletic Director Robert Freeman are charged with criminal contempt for allegedly violating a federal court order prohibiting prayer at school events.

On Jan. 28, Lay encouraged Freeman to lead a prayer of blessing at a school-day appreciation luncheon for adults who had helped with a field house project. Freeman complied.

Liberty Counsel President Mat Staver says the Christian advocacy group will defend Lay and Freeman, and will argue that the court order violated their constitutional rights.

If convicted, Lay and Freeman face up to six months in jail and $5,000 fines.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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