Story Published:
Apr 21, 2009 at 6:08 AM CST
Story Updated:
Apr 21, 2009 at 6:08 AM CST
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - The Missouri House has endorsed a
proposed amendment to the state Constitution guaranteeing the right
to pray in public settings, including schools.
The House gave the measure first-round approval Monday on a vote
of 127-25. If approved on a second House vote and later by the
Senate, it would appear on a statewide ballot next year.
The Missouri Constitution already guarantees citizens the right
to worship as they choose.
The proposed amendment states that public school students have
the right to religious expression, including prayer, without
interference. Any such expression would have to be private,
voluntary and non-disruptive.
House Republican Mike McGhee of Odessa says his proposed
amendment would make clear students can pray privately in school
but wouldn't change what is already permissible.
