Supreme Court endorses pastor’s laying on of hands at moment of inmate’s execution

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(WASHINGTON) — The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday, in an 8-1 decision, has endorsed a pastor’s audible prayer and laying of hands on an inmate at the moment of his execution, siding with a Texas death-row prisoner who challenged the state’s ban on the practice during lethal injection.

Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the majority opinion. Justice Clarence Thomas was the sole dissenter.

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