Idaho Senate opens with Hindu prayer, three GOP lawmakers protest

the associated press

March 3, 2015 2:22 PM

BOISE, Idaho – Three Republican lawmakers refused to attend the Idaho Senate’s daily invocation after objecting to the offering of a Hindu prayer.

Rajan Zed, guest chaplain, gave a lengthy prayer in both English and Sanskrit on Tuesday that focused on selflessness and peace.

Senators from both sides of the aisle shook his hand and thanked him for coming.

However three lawmakers only came back onto the floor once the prayer was over: Sens. Steve Vick, Sheryl Nuxoll and Lori Den Hartog.

Nuxoll says she declined to attend because she believes the United States is a Christian nation.

Vick had announced his objections the day before, saying that he would ask his colleagues to join him.

Hartog said it would’ve been disingenuous to her Christian faith to attend.

This story was originally published March 3, 2015 at 2:22 PM with the headline "Idaho Senate opens with Hindu prayer, three GOP lawmakers protest."