Saguenay mayor out fundraising anti-prayer rivals 7 to 1

QUEBEC CITY - In this fundraising battle, God's side is winning by more than 7 to 1.

While raising money for a legal battle over religion, the pro-prayer mayor of Saguenay, Que., has been massively out-collecting his rivals.

That gives Mayor Jean Tremblay an almighty financial edge in his court battle against atheists, agnostics and secularists who want him to stop praying at council meetings.

The mayor has already said he's been getting outside help, with cash trickling in from outside Quebec.

So far the mayor's side has raised $181,000. His opponents - the Mouvement laique quebecois, or Quebec Secular Movement - have collected $25,000.

But the opposition group believes it still has enough money to fight the mayor in Quebec's court of appeal. And it is pleased with what it has raised so far.

After a complaint with Quebec's human-rights tribunal, Tremblay was ordered to stop praying at council meetings and told to take down religious symbols like the crucifix from the council chamber.

Tremblay has refused to obey the order and, on the municipal website, has created a virtual collection box for his lawsuit.

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  Saguenay Mayor Jean Tremblay (front row, third from right) says he will defy an order from the Quebec Human Rights Tribunal and hold a prayer Monday night prior to the monthly meeting of city council.