Written by Don ByrdBy a narrow 20-18 vote, the Virginia State Senate yesterday passed a bill (SB 236 – see previous post here) that seeks to expand the religious expression rights of students in public schools. The bill would require school districts to implement policies allowing students with any speaking role at school events the right to express religious views. The principal would offer a disclaimer clarifying that the student is not expressing the views of the school.
Proponents of the bill argue this approach will lessen the likelihood of litigation over religious expression because the school is protected by the disclaimer and the student is protected by the explicit right to express his or her views. But is that true?
Written by Don ByrdThat’s the legal bill the Pittsylvania County, Virginia Board of Supervisors will likely owe the state’s ACLU for the cost of bringing the Board to court for opening meetings with sectarian prayer. A magistrate judge made the recommendation for attorney’s fees earlier this week. As the editorial board of the Lynchburg News and Advance notes today, the costly effort of the County’s Board was unnecessary.
Written by Don ByrdWhen elected officials insist on fighting a losing religious liberty lawsuit, the taxpayer often ends up with the tab. Pittsylvania County, Virginia will be required to pay nearly $60,000 in legal fees if a court approves the motion filed by the ACLU of Virginia.
Written by Don ByrdSo many religion-themed bills are being proposed and advanced in state legislatures these days, it’s hard to keep up.
In Texas, a resolution was introduced Monday (pdf) that says the legislature “support(s) prayers, including the use of the word ‘God,’ at public gatherings as well as displays of the Ten Commandments in public educational institutions and other government buildings.”
In North Carolina, meanwhile, a bill would add a Bible study elective to the public school curriculum.
Written by Don Byrd
The Virginia State Senate passed a bill 22-18 that allows college groups to discriminate in membership.
