After a heartfelt debate from both sides, the Florida Senate approved a measure authorizing student-led prayers at schools as long as adults are not involved.
The “inspirational messages” proposal SB 98, filed by Orlando Democratic Sen. Gary Siplin and approved by a 31-8 vote, would allow school boards to adopt policies granting students the right to have prayers at any assembly but administrators, teachers, coaches or other personnel would be prohibited from scrutinizing or participating in the prayers.
The ACLU and the Anti-Defamation League blasted the bill, saying it was unconstitutional and would end up in court if passed by the House and signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott.
“Attempting to pass off the decision-making about praying at school functions does not solve the problem. It simply invites drawn out, expensive legal fights at the school district level and makes religious expression subject to student popularity votes like a picking a Homecoming Queen,” said ACLU of Florida executive director Howard Simon.
A handful of Democrats also argued against the bill, saying students already have the opportunity to pray privately and that the measure could create divisiveness.
“We dont have an issue in the state of Florida with the lack of ability of public school students to pray openly. What we want to do is keep our public school kids with the one inspirational message they all need: study, study, study. When they come to the school they can park their religious beliefs at home,” said Sen. Maria Sachs, D-Delray Beach, who is Catholic.
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via Florida Senators approve prayer at school events.