Written by Don Byrd
Earlier this month, the Tennessee House passed by a large margin a bill that purports to expand religious liberty protections for students in public schools. Yesterday, the Senate voted unanimously to approve the measure, sending it to the Governor for his signature.
Associated Press has more:
Under the proposal, a student could express beliefs about religion in homework, artwork and other written and oral assignments free from discrimination based on the religious content.
The legislation would also allow a student to organize student prayer groups and other religious gatherings to the same degree that students are permitted to organize non-curricular activities and groups.
Unfortunately, it may also undermine religious liberty protections for all by encouraging the promotion of religion at official school events. Will legislation like this lead to more church-state lawsuits over student prayers and proselytizing at commencement, football games and assemblies?
