Resident and others urge council to change invocation practice, citing inclusivity and legal concerns

Residents raised objections to the council's invocation practice during the public-comment period, saying the current approach can feel exclusionary and may risk legal challenges. Rosalie S. Leeson told the council the practice made her feel singled out and asked the city to "consider not asking people to stand up for the invocation," saying local government meetings are not church services and urging the inclusion of Indigenous voices. She also referenced constitutional precedent and asked that the city make reasonable efforts to welcome diverse faiths and nonreligious speakers.

Another commenter, Jay Desort, said he disagreed more strongly and asked the council to direct the city attorney to research the practice; he said he would also reach out to lawyers who share his view. The council did not take formal action on invocation policy at the meeting; the remarks were part of the public-comment period, where council members said no immediate vote would be taken on non-agenda items.