A school prayer bill is back before state lawmakers for the third year, and the sponsor thinks this time it will pass the Legislature.
Sen. Gary Siplin thinks students should be able to choose a so-called inspirational message for extracurricular school events, such as football games or commencement ceremonies.
His bill would allow school boards to decide whether students should have that ability. It prohibits teachers and other school leaders from participating in the selection of a message or prayer.
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“We pray in the Florida Senate and a variety of different people’s prayers. So if we can pray in the Florida Senate, we are part of government, and our constitution is ‘In God We Trust,’ so why can’t we teach our young folks how to deal with different concepts, different invocations and benedictions.”
The bill passed a State Senate committee by one vote.
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It sounds barely constitutional based on what you’ve posted here, but I have my doubts. Based on precedent, if all of the qualifiers are maintained (ie: extracurricular only, teachers/admins don’t choose the prayer) then they might be ok, but if the practice is such that it appears the school is endorsing it, then it goes out the window.
That’s the problem with most of these religious wankers, most of the stuff they claim isn’t allowed actually is, but it’s not enough for them. They actually want the governments stamp of approval and weight of authority to back them as they force it on others.
“We pray in the Florida Senate and a variety of different people’s prayers.”
I’m a Florida taxpayer and I’m disappointed that the government that works for me is wasting time with their childish religious fantasies.
As I consultant I have worked at several corporations and not once did I see anyone praying to their dead Jeebus. Why should governments be any different? Perhaps the problem is only morons become politicians.
I meant “As a”, not “As I”.
I don’t see how “choosing” the message makes it any less of an endorsement to a more or less captive audience, especially since it will almost always be a xtian prayer.
Don’t be so sure. Kids’ choice? I predict a lot of song lyrics.
God dammit.