Yesterday's St. Petersburg (FL) Times reports on the continuing efforts in the Florida legislature to allow greater mixing of religion and publicly funded education. Yesterday the Senate Education Pre-K-12 Committee unanimously approved SB 1580 that would "permit the delivery of an inspirational message, including a prayer or an invocation, at a noncompulsory high school activity, including a student assembly, a sports event, or other school-related activity, if a majority of the participating students request the delivery of an inspirational message and select a student representative to deliver the message. Several House committees have approved a similar bill (HB 31). One version of the House Bill would bar school boards from settling litigation that infringes the First Amendment freedoms of school teachers and staff without the individuals' express written consent. This is apparently a reaction to the settlement of litigation by the Santa Rosa school district. (See prior posting.)
The Florida House and Senate are also considering a proposed state constitutional amendment to eliminate Florida's ban on state funds aiding any religious denomination. The amendment would also specifically allow inidividuals to use public benefits at religious service providers. (SJR2550/HJR1399). Significant opposition has developed to this proposal.
