Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
Two bills creating or advancing protections for religious expression in academic settings have made progress in the House, with one passing the full body in a floor vote Monday and another set to be heard in committee on Wednesday.
HB1834–“Tennessee Religious Freedom Act”
This Act permits a school board to open their meetings with a prayer led by a board member so long as no one is forced or coerced into participation. It is entirely permissive and each school board can choose whether to engage in the practice.
The text of the bill points to the U.S. Constitution and the First Amendment, stating that the framers of the constitution “intended for citizens to have the right to freely exercise their religious beliefs” and that school board members are not excluded from exercising religious expression.
Several court cases are also cited that lay the framework for legislative bodies to engage in prayer, finding that it is not “impermissible coercion” for those wishing not to participate.
During the House floor session on Monday, there was only one clarifying question on the bill before the question was called, moving the body to a vote. HB1834 passed 86-0 with several Democrats joining Republicans in voting “Yes” and seven other Democrats marking themselves “Present Not Voting”.
The Senate has already passed its version of the bill, SB1957, and since the House conformed its version to SB1957, the legislation will now go to Gov. Lee for signature into law.
HB1491– “Protecting Religious Liberty and Expression in Public Schools Act”
Seeking to remedy what sponsors have said is an incorrect interpretation of the idea of separation of church and state, HB1491 would require public schools to teach the Bible as literature in historic context and offer a dedicated time for students and staff to voluntarily gather to pray and read from religious texts.
The bill specifies that the Bible could not be taught in a coercive manner or as religious dogma and that students would have the ability to opt out of the instruction with parental notification. The prayer time would also require permission from students’ parents and is completely voluntary.
HB1491 is scheduled to be heard in the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, April 1. The Senate companion bill, SB1714, passed the Senate Education Committee earlier this month and is awaiting a date on the Senate floor.
If you support this legislation, use the information below to contact House committee members and Senators:
To find your Senator’s information, use this tool.
House Judiciary Committee– HB1491 to be heard on April 1.
HB1491 enacts the “Protecting Religious Liberty and Expression in Public Schools Act”
Rep.andrew.farmer@capitol.tn.gov; rep.elaine.davis@capitol.tn.gov; rep.rebecca.alexander@capitol.tn.gov; rep.fred.atchley@capitol.tn.gov; rep.gino.bulso@capitol.tn.gov; rep.clay.doggett@capitol.tn.gov; rep.rick.eldridge@capitol.tn.gov; rep.johnny.garrett@capitol.tn.gov; Rep.ga.hardaway@capitol.tn.gov; rep.torrey.harris@capitol.tn.gov; rep.gloria.johnson@capitol.tn.gov; rep.kelly.keisling@capitol.tn.gov; rep.william.lamberth@capitol.tn.gov; rep.mary.littleton@capitol.tn.gov; rep.jason.powell@capitol.tn.gov; rep.lowell.russell@capitol.tn.gov; rep.gabby.salinas@capitol.tn.gov; rep.rick.scarbrough@capitol.tn.gov; rep.tom.stinnett@capitol.tn.gov; rep.chris.todd@capitol.tn.gov; rep.joe.towns@capitol.tn.gov; rep.ron.travis@capitol.tn.gov
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
