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Bill aimed at protecting religious rights passed by Fla. Senate
The Northwest Florida Daily News - Apr 29, 2010
A bill intended to provide protection for the religious rights of teachers and students by forbidding districts to enter into legal agreements or settlements without their consent was passed today by the Florida Senate.
Senators passed the bill after some discussion in a 29-7 bipartisan vote.
"I think there was some misunderstanding of the bill," said Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville. "But the bill does not permit a teacher or an administrator to use his position to advance particular religious beliefs."
A week ago today, the Florida House passed the bill in a 107-8 vote.
Best known as House Bill 31, it was co-sponsored by local House Reps. Brad Drake, Greg Evers and Matt Gaetz.
Drake and Evers, who proposed a similar bill last year, were able to watch the Senate discuss and vote on their bill.
"It felt like a real historic moment when it happened," Drake, R-DeFuniak Springs, said. "I think it's landmark legislation."
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