What condition must legislative prayers meet to be upheld by the Supreme Court?

To be upheld by the Supreme Court, legislative prayers must not coerce participation or denigrate other religions. This standard stems from the need to respect the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, which prohibits the government from endorsing or promoting one religion over another. As a result, legislative prayers should allow for a diversity of beliefs and must not compel individuals to participate in a religious exercise against their will. The focus is on maintaining a neutral and inclusive environment in governmental settings, which protects individuals’ religious freedoms.

This requirement addresses the potential for religious discrimination or coercion within a government context, thus ensuring that all individuals feel respected regardless of their personal beliefs. Therefore, a legislative prayer that pressures attendance or disparages other faiths would violate constitutional protections and risk exclusion rather than fostering an inclusive atmosphere.