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Prayer bill advances toward vote
Chipley Bugle, March 23, 2010
Legislation co-introduced by Reps. Brad Drake (R-Eucheeanna) and Greg Evers (R-Baker) Monday passed the House Civil Justice & Courts Policy Committee, its second committee of reference, advancing it closer toward a vote by the full Florida House of Representatives. House Bill 31 would prohibit the government from interfering with students' desire to give inspirational messages during certain school extra-curricular events. In addition, the bill would prevent future ACLU attacks on the First Amendment protections of freedom of speech like that in Santa Rosa County that led to Pace High School Principal Frank Lay and Athletic Director Robert Freeman being charged with criminal contempt of court for offering a blessing at an adults-only event.
"This bill is essentially protecting Floridians' First Amendment rights," said Representative Drake. "It's not just about prayer, it's about our constitutional rights. And, it doesn't tell Floridians that they must pray, it reassures and maintains the constitutionally protected right to offer up speech."
"Some case law exists that says it's permissible and some case law says that it's not permissible," said Representative Drake. "What I'm trying to do is create some certainty in the law when the issue is of an uncertain nature. I'm trying to create certainty in uncertain times."
"I am encouraged by the support that this important piece of legislation is receiving, and I thank my colleagues on the Civil Justice and Courts Committee for passing this good bill," said Representative Evers. "This bill has been a priority of mine from the beginning and it is one of the primary concerns of my constituents. Representative Drake and I hope that it will prevent other school districts around the state from having to face situations like the one that is currently challenging Santa Rosa County."
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