House panel kills bill on religious views at school

[mahatmakanejeeves]

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 don’t endorse the speakers’ religious views. ... The bill’s sponsor, Del. Scott Lingamfelter, R-Prince William County, said the proposal would protect a student’s 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, you’ve got to let other people get up and talk about religion,” {Del. Greg Habeeb, R-Salem} said. “I absolutely want to protect the speaker’s right to religious free speech, but I don’t 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:

[SamKnause]

1. I really do not understand !!!!

What is this incessant need of believers to pray in public forums ???

They can pray in their homes 24/7.

They can pray in the homes of their religious family members 24/7.

They can pray in the homes of their religious friends 24/7.

They can pray in their houses of worship 24/7.

They can pray in their religious schools 24/7.

How many more places do they need to pray ?

Do they think they will convert the unbelievers ?

If this is their line of thinking it is truly flawed.

I find their constant need for prayer in the public arena to be a major turn off.

Please pray before you leave the house.

Let the rest of us live in peace and not be subjected to your beliefs.