In a hearing yesterday, a Houston judge pushed the Department of Veterans Affairs to reach a resolution with plaintiffs claiming their religious expression has been stifled at official burial ceremonies.
Fred Hinrichs, one of the attorneys for the VA, denied there was religious discrimination or limits on people saying "God" or "Jesus" at soldiers' funerals in Houston or anywhere around the country.
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But [Judge Lynn] Hughes seemed sympathetic to the veterans groups during the half-hour hearing packed by veterans, both seated and standing.
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Hughes also told Hinrichs that attorneys for the veterans groups have continued to amplify their claims by "supplying excruciating detail," including affidavits by veterans and relatives who believe they have been discriminated against by VA officials."We have to solve this problem," the judge said.
Government officials continue to claim that the only policy and practice with regard to religious reference at burial events is to honor the wishes of the family.
