House panel kills bill on religious views at school
House panel kills bill on religious views at school
Posted: Wednesday, February 5, 2014 9:56 pm
Posted on Feb 5, 2014
by Michael Sluss
RICHMOND A House of Delegates subcommittee on Wednesday effectively killed legislation that was aimed at protecting the rights of public school students to express religious views at school events, after questions were raised about the need for the bill and potential unintended consequences.
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The Senate bill (SB 236) remains alive. Its sponsor, Sen. Bill Carrico, R-Grayson County, had hoped his bill would get a friendly reception in the Republican-dominated House of Delegates.
The House bill would require every Virginia school division to adopt a policy permitting student speakers to express religious viewpoints at any school event, such as graduations, in which students are allowed to publicly speak. The events would be designated as limited public forums. Principals would be required to provide disclaimers to clarify that school divisions dont endorse the speakers religious views. ... The bills sponsor, Del. Scott Lingamfelter, R-Prince William County, said the proposal would protect a students right to express a religious viewpoint, but the schools are not on the hook to be sued.
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The way this reads to me, if you allow a student to speak at a graduation ceremony, youve got to let other people get up and talk about religion, {Del. Greg Habeeb, R-Salem} said. I absolutely want to protect the speakers right to religious free speech, but I dont want every school event to become a forum where the schools are mandated to provide for religious content.
May 15, 2012. Del. Scott Lingamfelter Speaks on Tracy Thorne-Begland Nomination:
Buy One; Get One Free:
Del. Bob Marshall Speaks on Tracy Thorne-Begland Nomination: