Religious Freedom Bill Clears House
Oklahoma House passes scholarly religious freedom bill
By Michael McNutt
A measure billed to protect religious student expressions in Oklahoma’s public schools was criticized Thursday as being nothing more than a political statement.
The House of Representatives voted 79-13 to pass House Bill 1940. It now goes to the Senate.
HB 1940 would allow school districts to adopt policies allowing students to deliver religious viewpoints and inspirational messages at student assemblies. It is similar to a measure passed in 2008, but vetoed by then-Gov. Brad Henry.
Rep. John Bennett, R-Sallisaw, the bill’s author, said it would require public schools to allow and protect religious student expression and to allow students to express religious beliefs in homework, art and other assignments. The bill, modeled after a Texas law, would require school districts to treat the voluntary student expressions of a religious viewpoint the same as voluntary student expressions of a secular viewpoint.