LINCOLN- A Bible study group that ministers to the State Capitol is in hot water after using a state legislative hearing room for an unauthorized purpose. Public spaces in the Capitol are reserved for meetings that “have a reasonable relationship to the legislative process,” according to policy. However, a meeting by a group called Capital Studies was deemed a religious event.

“I got lied to,” said Brandon Metzler, the clerk of the Legislature, whose office approves requests to use legislative hearing rooms and other “public” spaces in the building. The Capital Studies meeting had about eight attendees, including three state senators, at least one legislative staffer and Arin Hess, a former minister who serves as the chaplain and president of Capital Studies.

“It’s not an open forum for any group that wants space,” Metzler said. State Sen. Loren Lippincott of Central City, in his written request for the use of the hearing room, listed the purpose as “hosting district community leaders” and stated that 10 state senators and a total of 40 people would be attending. It did not list Capital Studies as leading the meeting. Metzler said requests will be under additional review in the future.

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