Florida House approves school-prayer bill

By The Associated Press

04.26.01

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — High school students could lead public prayers at some school events under a bill the House voted 84-29 to pass yesterday.

The Senate, however, does not have a companion bill, and leaders in the upper chamber don't expect to vote on the issue.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled last June in Santa Fe Independent School District v. Doe that public schools can't let students lead stadium crowds in prayer before games because it amounts to government backing of religion.

But one of the supporters of the House bill still argued that he didn't believe the legislation violated the U.S. Constitution.

"I don't think it runs afoul of the Constitution; I think it runs afoul of a group of justices who do not understand the Constitution," said Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Chumuckla.

Under CS-HB 1199, school boards could vote to allow student-led prayer at graduations and other nonmandatory assemblies.

A prayer would have to be given by a student volunteer chosen randomly — not by majority vote — and would have to be "nonsectarian and nonproselytizing." It also specifies that school staff can't participate in the prayer or pick a student to do it.

The Miami Democrat who sponsored the bill said it wasn't intended to advance or endorse any particular religious views. "I am here only asking for freedom of speech," said Rep. Wilbert "Tee" Holloway.

The measure is partly in response to the Duval County school board's effort to allow such prayers. Duval County is in court fighting for a law allowing students to choose a class member to give messages at school graduations.

Opponents said the bill would make students who practice other religions captive audiences for Christian prayers.

Rep. Dan Gelber, a Jewish lawmaker, said he and other critics understood that the bill's supporters had good intentions. But, Gelber said, they didn't seem to understand the objections of people in the minority.

"Every single one of your Jewish colleagues is offended," the Miami Beach Democrat said.

Five years ago, the Legislature passed a school-prayer bill, but it was vetoed by then-Gov. Lawton Chiles. Gov. Jeb Bush has not said whether he supports the measure.

Related

State lawmakers consider school-prayer proposals
Florida House passes bill allowing student-led prayer at nonrequired assemblies; South Carolina legislators seek legal opinion on 'moment of silent prayer.'  10.25.01