[Kevin Curry]

They have no right to such personal expressions when they stand in that office.

So walking out and not participating in a group prayer is a personal expression of religion? And choosing to stay and bowing one's head in prayer isn't an expression of religion?

Of course they have a right to walk out. Whether they stay or they leave, they are expressing themselves, they are making a statement.

[Illbay]

So walking out and not participating in a group prayer is a personal expression of religion?

No. It's a personal expression of contempt for the practitioners of a specific religion, some of whom may well be their constituents.

That is highly inappropriate.