Missouri 'Right to pray' amendment passes easily

[pstokely]

Source: AP

"JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -
Missouri voters on Tuesday approved a state constitutional amendment that specifically allows public prayer and permits students to avoid assignments that violate their religious beliefs.

The statewide ballot measure says people can pray in public or private so long as they do not disturb the peace, and gives specific permission for a prayer before government meetings. The measure also states that students can express their beliefs and cannot be compelled to participate in school assignments or educational presentations that violate their religion. In addition, public schools will be required to post the text of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.

Supporters argued the prayer measure will protect students and ensure that prayer is given the same protections as other types of speech. Rep. Mike McGhee, who sponsored the measure in the Legislature, said it ensures everyone knows praying is OK.

The prayer amendment was supported by several religious and conservative organizations, and four Roman Catholic bishops in Missouri issued a joint statement urging Catholics to vote for it.

"

Read more: http://www.kmbc.com/news/politics/Missouri-Right-to-pray-amendment-passes-easily/-/11664068/16009810/-/qml738z/-/index.html

[progressivebydesign]

1. Oh. So I guess Missouri doesn't have any other more pressing issues??

lots of jobs and such?

[pstokely]

2. Not for Repukes

No big Dem primaries today

[Historic NY]

3. So will it exclude religions? ...

I can see them flipping out once the prayer rugs come out.

[Big Orange Jeff]

11. I found the loophole that allows them to discriminate against the prayer rugs...

"The statewide ballot measure says people can pray in public or private so long as they do not disturb the peace..."

There you go. Prayer rug comes out and they'll bust the person for disturbing the peace or, if you prefer, Praying While Muslim.

[lunatica]

46. But they let every crazy bible thumper scream Hell and Damnation at passerbys

I guess if you're crazy for Jesus it's OK though.

[riverbendviewgal]

13. My same thoughts

I think there should be a mass rug pray in.

[Suji to Seoul]

31. I can see them flipping out once my yarmulke comes out too, self-righteous religious freakos

Religion is worthless in modern life.

A religion with 1000 members is a cult.
A cult with 1,000,000,000 members is a religion.

[Skittles]

4. how were they unable to pray in public before this nonsense?

[The Wielding Truth]

7. Silly. Isn't it? No one is prevented them from praying as long as everyone isn't made to pray.

This is a law with no need or purpose. Republicans love to waste time to try to make a point that actually does not exist. Amazing!

[loyalsister]

22. They were able to pray, but

the great thing about this amendment is it allows them to get out of class on religious basis. Kids in MO are no longer subject to the evils of Darwin if they object for religious reasons.

Guess MO won't be able to boast about their doctors. All will be imported from other states and\or countries.

[sellitman]

5. The Regressive Party strikes again.

We are becoming the laughing stock of the world.

[Confusious]

28. Becoming?

I was watching a comedian from Ireland, Dara O'briain, he asks the audience for stereotypes of people from other countries.

United States? Fat and stupid.

[jtuck004]

30. Lucky I was laying in my Lazyboy when I read this. I almost hit the screen with my beer. n/t

[Robbins]

6. Well

I was In minority who voted against It.

What's going to happen when Non christins want to pray.Trouble will be coming mark my words.Jews,Muslims,and other faiths will
be told.

As for requiring constitution and Bill of rights be viewed Ins chools conservatives love those when It suits their purpose.

As a sane Liberal I am a minority In Missouri.

[Loki]

21. Well then we were among good company

Voted today in Johnson County Mo , and I and my husband and our 19 year old son (who voted today for the very first time) joined the other sane Missourians in voting no against the Christianists and the greatest show of trying to shove ten pounds of stupid into a five pound bag I've see come out of my state in a long time. ( found that phrase on another blog and felt it stated the obvious very succinctly). As someone once said it is better to be thought a fool, than to open ones mouth and remove all doubt. Shame on you Missouri.

[TheDebbieDee]

25. Hi, Loki. I spent most of last Saturday and Sunday in Johnson County...............

at Whiteman AFB - I drove my daughter there as she had her very first Air Force Reserve Drill.

I live in Kansas City and my daughter and I voted against this ridiculous amendment - a poster upthread is right, tho. Everything will be okay until little Moustafa or little Irina wants to say a prayer according to their non-Christian religion......then ALL HELL will break lose!

[Hayabusa]

50. My family voted against it, too

Here in Boone County. Kinda bummed that passed. I was also looking at the results and saw how many tax measures were defeated in mid-Missouri. It's sad that people keep saying that we need to improve this and that but balk at actually paying for it to be done. At least the Hallsville school bond measure passed. I voted for it and the HS I went to was a hated rival of theirs.

[Beartracks]

8. Uh... School assignments can violate one's religion?

Is this just another way to stop students from having to learn science (e.g. evolution)? Or about the role other religions have played in the history of civilization?

This sounds kinda like people claiming they have the right to not be offended. Maybe supporters think they have the right to not have their preconceptions challenged, like in Texas.

===============

[msongs]

9. they can pray to put all non christians in camps and that's ok now in schools. sweet nt

[mbperrin]

26. If only this had been in effect in the 70s!

I can tell that most math classes would have violated my religious beliefs, man....

[davidpdx]

39. My guess is they are aiming it at sex education

Since they believe abstinence works so well. Look at Bristle Palin....

[Beartracks]

55. But an "assignment" might be to read about genders. It's not going to be...

... an assignment to go have sex with your next door neighbor!

I still say that reading and studying a subject is not violating anything.

Well..... wait. What if you don't want what you may believe are unclean thoughts (e.g. a clinical textbook drawing of breasts hitting the back of your retina and forming an image in your brain)? If that's the case, maybe you should be home-schooled...

===============

[davidpdx]

58. I agree the study of gender is important, especially for high school level students

The law does open a whole new can of worms for sure. I'm certain it will be challenged in court through.

[jmowreader]

57. Pretty much...

Also math class: 1 Kings 7.23 seems to say the value of pi is 3. A math class that tells the kids pi is 3.14 could conceivably violate the religious beliefs of people who are THAT literal in their reading of the Bible.

Now understand: every word in the Bible is the absolute truth, except for the word "wine"--everyone knows Jesus really turned the water into grape juice at the Feast of Cana. What is not revealed in the Bible is Jesus was an Olympic-class sprinter, which he would have had to be to keep his ass from getting kicked after offering up grape juice at a wedding feast.

[still_one]

10. I wonder if they are including ALL religions? In fact if they want to play that game if the school

Lunch room, or government cafeteria serves pork wouldn't that be discriminating toward Jews, Muslims, and Hindus if they don't provide an alternative

I should also add religious holidays. They may not realize but there are more than just the Christian ones. Maybe I want to celebrate all of them, and my if I have a government job they better let me

I will bite my tongue, but I have nothing positive to say about Missouri on this

I hope someone brings this before the Supremes

[BlueJazz]

12. "We have 27 applicants for the 2 jobs that are open"

"Any of them from Missouri ? "
"Ah...yeah, I believe so"
"Throw them in the trash"

[Posteritatis]

14. So they amended the constitution to legalize something already constitutionally protected? (nt)

[pstokely]

18. They were hoping to place this on the ballot in November

they placed it on a ballot with no big Dem primaries

[L0oniX]

15. US Supreme Court will over turn this IMO.

[iamthebandfanman]

16. Wow, so all you have to do is say 'its against my religion'

and you can do no assignments?!

wonder how many kids are instantly finding God

[JDPriestly]

17. Great opportunity for kids.

Think of the assignments you could get out of.

[starroute]

19. I don't see any explanation of whether students get a zero for undone assignments

I could sort of see students being excused from school assemblies or lectures that cover topics that they are afraid might shake their faith.

But what about if a teacher hands out an assignment and they refuse to do it on religious grounds, or if a test includes a section they refuse to answer? Do they get a zero for that assignment or part of the test? Or does the law also require them to get a passing grade?

[Beartracks]

20. Freedom from religious violation isn't freedom from challenging subjects.

For example, your religious convictions might mean you are against abortion or capital punishment, but doing a research paper on these subjects would not violate your beliefs.

This just sounds to me like a way for [Christian] conservatives to avoid having their kids get educated.

====================

[mbperrin]

27. If their faith can be shaken by a classroom speaker or lesson, it wasn't much of a faith, was it?

I'm quite sure the law requires an excused grade for those assignments. So the key is: make a 100 early in the year, dodge everything else, and presto! 100 average in the class!

[davidpdx]

40. I would guess that an exemption would require an alternate assigment

What a headache for the teacher. Think about if you were the kid who's parents were pissing and moaning about not letting your kid do something. Wouldn't that make them stand out like a sore thumb. Way to treat your children!

[MuseRider]

23. I am so sorry.

As your equally crazy neighbor (Kansas) I was hoping for both of our sakes this would not pass. Depending on the outcome of our elections here this will most likely be one of the first things on the agenda for us next session. They will LOVE it here.

Good luck with this. I hope there are a lot of teachers getting their red F pencils ready for all those smart ass, it is against my religion, excuses. Man those SATs may be a little difficult for those who bury their heads in the sand.

[mbperrin]

24. Matthew 6:5

"When you pray, don't be like hypocrites. They like to stand in synagogues and on street corners to pray so that everyone can see them. I can guarantee this truth: That will be their only reward."

[Judi Lynn]

32. Thanks for posting this. I was thinking about this commentary up until. I saw yours.

Also it recommends people should pray privately.

It comes back again and again, as these clowns become more militant, and more aggressive.

[BadgerKid]

33. It always reminds me of this poem.

Some keep the Sabbath going to Church –
I keep it, staying at Home –
With a Bobolink for a Chorister –
And an Orchard, for a Dome –

Some keep the Sabbath in Surplice –
I, just wear my Wings –
And instead of tolling the Bell, for Church,
Our little Sexton – sings.

God preaches, a noted Clergyman –
And the sermon is never long,
So instead of getting to Heaven, at last –
I’m going, all along.

-- Emily Dickinson

[TheAmbivalante]

29. I'm looking forward to...

... my first claim that the pre-whatever ChurchieNut prayer is disturbing the peace and scaring my children.

Missouri is an embarrassment.

[SemperEadem]

35. truly.. that's why I left.

grew up there, left 20 years ago and will never regret that decision.

[SemperEadem]

34. so does that mean

that when they refuse to do the assignment, they get an incomplete, as they should, for not doing it?

Really... are their beliefs that flimsy and weak that they cannot stand education about another point of view?

and it's time for the roman catholic church to pay taxes, since it's weighing in on political issues. If they can do that, then the state can weigh in on how they conduct their faith. This is a two way street that that church has paved now with their actively and demonstrably urging those of their faith to vote for it.

[SemperEadem]

36. It would also appear that they now have nothing to say

when those who practice Islam issue their call to prayer and hold their prayer services. Or if Wiccans wish to hold their prayers out in public. Or if church of satan wishes to hold their invocations in public. The state cannot recognize one religion over another and these assholes just opened up Pandora's box.

Nothing precluded them from praying to themselves. They all want to make a show of what they do. Well, good. Now everyone can.

Yay! Religious freedom.

[annabanana]

38. Well clearly all those OTHER religions will be "disturbing the peace"

when the fundy nutjobs start screaming at them.

[Evasporque]

37. The ultimate dumbing of society...

Religious incoherent robots...working for Bain Capital owned companies.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

41. This will last until the first time someone looks in the direction of Mecca,

unrolls a prayer rug, and kneels to pray. That's when pandemonium will break loose.

I was going to say "all hell" instead of pandemonium, but it didn't seem to apply in this case.

[docgee]

42. My worry is that atheist kids will feel

obligated to act like they are praying from peer pressure. How humiliating! Also teachers getting crap from stupid parents who will think this law means they have to teach religion, because I can almost be sure right wing news is going to spin it that way.

[allan01]

43. re:Missouri 'Right to pray' amendment passes easily

how is this supposed to balance the budget, pave roads and create jobs. somone tell me please .

[johnfunk]

44. Could the law be turned on its head if atheist students start protesting that their asssignments...

... violate their rational view of the world, which constitutes a belief that all religions are wrong?

[NYC Liberal]

45. What a waste of time. This has always been legal.

[lunatica]

47. The dumbing down of Americans proceeds post haste

"The measure also states that students can express their beliefs and cannot be compelled to participate in school assignments or educational presentations that violate their religion."

[MatthewStLouis]

48. Praise Jesus! ...And Allah! And Buddha! Hell, praise Satan too! Hee hee.

These people are idiots. Why do I live here?

[EC]

49. Aren't those things already legal?

More redundancy to look like they are doing their jobs for the fundies. They whine about things that are already legal and then pass new laws that duplicate the law on the books already.

[Adsos Letter]

51. "...public schools will be required to post the text of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights."

Just leave it at that.

[benld74]

52. I voted in the minority on this,,,,

it is quite obvious NOBODY read what the actual intent was. What this will mean is lawsuits when a Muslim puts their rug down in the middle of something and beging to pray!
THAT will surely show a slow news day in MO.

[DionDem]

53. Public prayer isn't Christian, is it?

"But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to God in private."

Or is there something ambiguous about this statement that I'm missing?

[LiberalLovinLug]

54. As long as they don't disturb the peace....

LOL, this clause may come back to haunt them. If they would have just let things be, some crazed street preacher is left alone to do his version of God's work. Now a citizen could theoretically have some religious loud mouths shut down if they are not keeping quiet.

[Sick of the GOP]

56. "permits students to avoid assignments that violate their religious beliefs"

LOL, does this mean a kid can say everything in school violates his/her religious beliefs and just play DS all day? God I wish I were born 100 years later that I was.