Share and Follow
The legislation aims to enshrine protection for religious expression within the state constitution, specifically in public educational institutions.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A historical debate resurfaced in Tallahassee on Wednesday, as lawmakers grappled with the enduring issue of the separation between church and state.
Members of the Florida House approved a bill designed to safeguard religious expression in public schools, proposing an amendment to the state constitution.
If the bill garners the support of 60% of voters in the upcoming November ballot, it would ensure that students are not punished for expressing their religious beliefs through their attire or academic work. Furthermore, it would mandate a daily allowance of 1-2 minutes for silent prayer and extend this provision to high school sporting events.
“If we are not permitted to exercise these freedoms, they risk fading away,” stated Sen. Ralph Massullo, R-Lecanto, who is the Senate sponsor of the corresponding legislation.
Over the last two weeks, committees in both the House and Senate have discussed and heard feedback on these companion bills, leading to lengthy debates.
Supporters of the legislation argue it’s necessary to strengthen existing law that states schools cannot discriminate against students, parents or staff for religious views.
“A lot of school districts and administrations are still confused about what the law is because of years of mixed messages that they’ve gotten,” said John Labriola with the Christian Family Coalition.
But those opposed cite the Florida statutes and the first amendment of the U.S. constitution to argue a Florida constitutional amendment isn’t necessary.
“Why do we need a constitutional amendment if this is already in statute?” Sen. Lori Berman, D-Boynton Beach, said.
Those opposed, which included Christian and Catholic Floridians, said they worry about unintended consequences of the bill — which they believe could include isolating students in a religious minority.
“I imagine that the person who is chosen to give that prayer at the championship football game comes from the dominant form of religion,” said Rev. Dr. Russell Meyer, Florida Council of Churches in front of a House committee. “I don’t imagine it being a Muslim student. I don’t imagine it being a Jewish student or a Buddhist or a Hindu.”
The bill still needs to pass the Senate, and an identical version has already moved through multiple Senate committees. It would also need to be passed by Gov. Ron DeSantis before making it on November’s ballot.