http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/02/21/2653566/its-still-praying.html
The south is known for its strong religious beliefs and churches that tend to be within a couple of miles from each other. And if you can't find a church in the south, you're an atheist. But should prayer and religion be separate from school? The answer in this Miami Herald Editorial is yes. The editorial, It's Still Praying, talks about how Gary Siplin, a democratic governor from Orlando, intends to pass a bill in Florida that authorizes schools to be subjugated to "inspirational messages" at events like a Pep Rally or an assembly. "Let it be clear that there is no prohibition for a Florida public school student to pray in a classroom-- many a student has done is before a meal or test." So why try to force this type of action onto everyone else who doesn't necessarily want nor may believe in a higher power? It's a concept this editorial tries to wrap its head around as it describes the bill. Originally the bill was designed to affect public and private high schools but now is intended for all public elementary schools around the state. Several groups like the American Civil Liberties and Anti-Defamation League believe this bill to be unconstitutional and an "over-reach" of the governor. Quite frankly, I also agree.
It's no surprise that this is an issue though. Every state battles with the argument of separation of church and state. Religion is a touchy subject for anyone due to differing beliefs and ideas. For children in particular, religion should not be forced upon them but rather they should be given the right to choose. Florida resides in the U.S.A which is built on democracy. The system they have now works for many people because it doesn't force nor prohibit children to practice religion. When reading this article, I found that even some conservative Christian groups did not agree with the bill either. Even though it is their job to bring people to God per say, the people should come willingly not forcefully. How fair would it be to push people who practiced Christianity into practicing Judaism? Individuals, like the one who wrote this editorial, resent this bill because of the way it was presented and how it might be passed without their consent. The point is, this bill needs to be looked over and debated before coming to fruition just as any bill should.
In conclusion, the editorial also points out that it may be an election year for Governor Gary Siplin. Apparently, governors tend to propose bills that could help them win or at least get their name out there. Well, Siplin could find himself at a loss if he continues to propose this bill that obviously is not in favor with the people. “Had the bill merely made reference to protecting any student speech (religious or otherwise) it . . . would have been able to withstand constitutional scrutiny,” Mr. Stemberger noted. John Stemberger of the Florida Family Policy Council, a group that believes that "God is the author of life, liberty and the family" spoke to Miami Herald about this bill. If a man like him is saying that this bill may be a bit of a stretch, then it's probably fair to say it needs to be done away with. Again, nobody should be told whether or not they need to pray, especially in a public high school where it could cause many conflicts.
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