A bill that allows prayers at public school graduations, football games and other “non-compulsory” school events passed the Florida Senate Chambers last week and is now heading to the Florida House of Representatives.
The bill (SB 98), sponsored by Sen. Gary Siplin (D-Orlando) has been heavily criticized by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).
“Why is the Senate committed to making this exclusionary, religiously divisive and unconstitutional school prayer bill a priority?” asked the ADL’s David Barkey in a statement Monday. “Isn’t it just common sense for our legislators to direct their efforts on measures that safeguard kids across religious, racial and ethnic lines, instead of on legislation that would divide them and their communities along religious ones?”
Siplin said, “the bill allows students an opportunity to further grow as students by exercising their freedom to express themselves through the delivery of inspirational messages without suppression or influence from school officials or any adults.”
The bill is being carried in the House by Rep. Charles Van Zant, (R-Keystone Heights) and is awaiting committee hearing.
