Written by Don Byrd
Yet another bill related to religion in schools took another step toward becoming law in Tennessee yesterday.
The House Education Committee passed legislation that attempts to protect religious speech by students, requiring school districts to establish a limited public forum at school assemblies like graduation and awards day to allow for religious speech.
Some legislators argued there are already rights in place for free speech and that the bill would encourage religious student speakers that supporters may not intend, such as Wiccans or Muslims. A move to table the bill until it could be studied failed.
“I like the bill, but I do know it comes with consequences,” said Rep. Richard Montgomery, R-Sevierville. “That is, as long as the speaker is speaking what I believe, everything is good, but when they start speaking what I don’t believe, there may be controversy in the communities.”
Yeah, no kidding! Controversy indeed.
Last week, the Tennessee Senate passed a bill empowering teachers to discuss religious views in the context of evolution discussions in the classroom.
