Florida is at it again ...

[Spock]

... pandering to the religious right

Gov. Rick Scott signed into law Friday an "inspirational message" bill that critics say is simply a gateway to school prayer and will likely result in a flurry of lawsuits against school districts.

Groups like the Anti Defamation League and the American Civil Liberties Union called the Florida legislation a way to invite prayer into the classroom and said expensive lawsuits against school districts would be the likely outcome.

The two groups, plus Americans United for Separation of Church and State, sent separate letters Friday to the state's 67 school districts warning of potential problems if they chose to go forward with implementation of the law.

In two landmark decisions in 1962 and 1963, the U.S. Supreme Court created the current ban on state-sponsored prayer, Bible readings and other school-sponsored religious activities. The court ruled that it was a violation of the First Amendment.

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012...-districts

Don't worry, if you feel threatened by someones prayer you can shoot them.

[hal]

Spock wrote:
Don't worry, if you feel threatened by someones prayer you can shoot them.

thank you for that :-)

but now that I've read the article, I'm not so sure I agree that this coulnd be a big problem.

The new law allows local school boards to set up policies under which students could offer inspirational messages, including prayer, at school events. The messages also must be student driven with no adult participation.

Honestly... in some parts of the country... this is the norm. At a high school football game in rural texas... the QB leads the team in a pre-game prayer...

If everyone involved is a christian... I don't have a problem with this...

If it leads to a prayer every morning over the intercom to greet the new day - THAT I don't like, but the paragraph I quoted said 'school events'.

We'll see how it plays out...

[$tevie]

"Dear God, please don't let them take my guns. Amen."

[Ombligo]

hal wrote:

If everyone involved is a christian... I don't have a problem with this...

But what if one child is not? do you expect that one child to incur the wrath of the others by saying he or she is uncomfortable?

What if they are all Christians but some are Catholic, others fundamental independent Baptist (who consider Catholicism a cult)... Toss in the LDS, Jehovah Witness and other sects - who decides which is right?

Then there are the non-Christian groups, which are numerous and include Jews, Muslims, Hindi, Wiccans and Scientologists (whose spiritual center is in Clearwater). Are they all going to get a turn at the microphone or will majority always rule?

Even if everyone gets a turn, what happens to the closeted atheist child? The child who isn't ready to let his beliefs be known because they live in a very fundamental home (That was me).

While Christianity is the predominant religion in the USA, this is NOT a Christian nation. It is the proverbial melting pot of everything including religion.

Yes, is some communities they may not raise any objections but in places like Miami, Tampa and Orlando it will create huge issues. I view prayer and religion as a private matter between an individual and their deity of choice. Why must it be broadcast and why must the state press the issue.

Prayer has always been allowed in school and it remains so today. There is nothing stopping students from independently praying together as long as it does not disrupt the school process. This law brings politics into the process and will only create issues where none previously existed.

.... at least until the courts strike it down.

[mattkime]

a) completely delusional.

b) complete political victory. the law can be struct down but the political points will remain.

[cbelt3]

I just cannot WAIT for the morning announcements by:

A) The Pastafarian student
"Today, the cafeteria will be service the body of Our God, who has touched us all with his noodly appendages". Give thanks as you drench Him in the blood of innocent tomatoes. "

B) The Rastafarian student
"As you begin your day, hold a toke of the bountiful Herbs of God."

C) The Fundamentlist
"After the pep rally, you are each encouraged to give up your false faith in deference to the One True Faith. Please teach our lapsed Sisters in Faith that their cheerleader uniforms are an affront to God, and that they should repent for their whorish ways."

D) The Agressive Mormon Student
"And in recognition of Joseph Smith Day, I have arranged to have all of your ancestors baptized in the True Faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints. May the Angel Moroni smile on your MIssion."

[Chakravartin]

The measure is the result of a multiyear effort by Siplin and Rep. Charles Van Zant, R-Keystone Heights, who has a master's degree in divinity.

Van Zant could not be reached for comment following the signing. He argued at length during the House floor debate that the measure was not about prayer but about "inspirational" messaging and free speech. He also said that student messages would bring respect and civility to the classroom, something that he said had been lacking in the 50-plus years since the U.S. Supreme Court banned prayer in schools.

"Before we removed inspirational messages, the No. 1 problem was talking out of turn," Van Zant said during the debate. "Now, it's drug abuse."

...Because those are the two choices. If you don't force children to pray to a Christian god in school, they'll do drugs in school.

It's that simple.

[cbelt3]

Hmmm. I can recall kids praying they would not get busted with weed . On Catholic school property. Yeah , that follows. Idiot.

[Pops]

Chakravartin wrote:
The measure is the result of a multiyear effort by Siplin and Rep. Charles Van Zant, R-Keystone Heights, who has a master's degree in divinity.

I have a mail order degree in divinity.

[Ombligo]

Pops wrote:
[quote=Chakravartin]
The measure is the result of a multiyear effort by Siplin and Rep. Charles Van Zant, R-Keystone Heights, who has a master's degree in divinity.

I have a mail order degree in divinity.
Your so old fashion... I have a web downloaded degree in divinity.