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State Senate Passes School Prayer Bill

February 2, 2012 | WMFE - The Senate has approved a bill that would allow prayer at public school events. Senate Bill 98 cleared the chamber on a 31-to-8 vote.

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Under the proposal, school boards are directed to lay out guidelines for when and how students in public schools could give “inspirational messages” at school events. Groups such as the ACLU of Florida are against the bill, saying it’s unconstitutional.
But the bill’s sponsor Democratic Senator Gary Siplin of Orlando says the proposal doesn’t force anyone, the student or the school, to do anything they don’t want to do.
“If the school board doesn’t adopt it, it has no application.” Siplin said.  “And I’m not making them adopt it. If you vote on this bill you are not compelling them to adopt it, its local control.”
But opponents say the measure is likely unconstitutional and would lead to discrimination against religious minorities.
A similar measure in the state House by Republican Charles Van Zant of Palatka has not been scheduled for any committee hearings.

   

 

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