Va. Gov. McAuliffe vetoes school prayer bill, saying it could lead to ‘religious messaging’

[rug]

By Michael Alison Chandler
Published: April 4

Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) vetoed a school prayer bill on Friday, saying it could lead to “coercive prayer” or “religious messaging” at school events.

The bill attempted to codify students’ right to pray in school; organize prayer groups, or religious clubs or events; wear clothing or accessories with religious messages; and express religious views at school events.

Proponents of the bill, sponsored by state Sen. Charles W. Carrico, Sr. (R-Grayson County), said it would protect students’ freedom of religious expression. But McAuliffe said in a statement Friday that students already have this freedom.

High schools are required to allow students to organize religious clubs. And students can already discuss religious themes and participate in voluntary prayer or other “non-disruptive expressions of belief,” he said.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/va-gov-mcauliffe-vetoes-school-prayer-bill-saying-it-could-lead-to-religious-messaging/2014/04/04/157441a8-bc31-11e3-9a05-c739f29ccb08_story.html

[yeoman6987]

1. Do they have enough votes to override the VETO?

I seem to remember that the Republicans are pretty overwhelming in Virginia Senate and House…..although that could be North Carolina. I don't remember which state that was.

[rug]

2. It's close. The Senate is 20-20; the House of Delegates is 67 rep to 33 dem.

The veto should be ok in the Senate.

[yeoman6987]

3. Thank you and Thank Goodness

[ladjf]

4. Good move Gov. nt

[rug]

5. In contrast to . . . .

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mississippi-governor-signs-controversial-religious-practices-bill/

Local elections matter.

[ladjf]

6. Yep. I've been following the fiascoes in Mississippi. Very alarming and sad. nt

[hrmjustin]

7. Glsd he vetoed.