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Protecting Freedom of Religion

Across our nation, out-of-control courts and hyper-sensitive bureaucrats have been undermining Americans’ religious freedom. Nowhere is this more dangerous than in our schools.

When courts re-interpret freedom of religion as freedom from religion, individuals’ right to worship is threatened. When bureaucrats seek to remove all religious symbology from our public places, they do an injustice to the history that has made America what it is.

This session, House Republicans have fought hard to preserve and protect religious expression and the proper understanding of the effect that religion had on shaping America.

This week, House Republicans continued their efforts, passing HB 1287 by Representative Warren Chisum (R-Pampa). This bill allows public school elective courses to study the bible in its historic and literary role in Western Civilization.

“The bible is a cornerstone document in American history,” Chisum said. “It’s the moral foundation that strengthened our founding fathers in their darkest hours, and which inspired them as they drafted our constitution. Study of the bible in its historic role is something Texas students and parents should have available as an elective in their schools.”

Preventing Discrimination Against Religious Viewpoints

Last week, the House passed HB 3678 by Representative Charlie Howard (R-Sugarland), also known as the Religious Viewpoint Anti-discrimination Act. The legislation codifies the many constitutional ways a student, or groups of students, may express their faith at school and at school-sponsored events.

“This bill leaves no doubt that individual religious expression is permissible in schools in a wide range of contexts,” Howard said. “It is a win-win for students and school officials alike, both of whom are now uncertain how to navigate what has become muddied, constitutional waters.”

HB3678 makes clear that unconstitutional censorship of students’ individual religious expression will not be allowed in Texas public schools. The bill also offers clarity for teachers and administrators who have been confused about what religious expression is permitted in schools.

“This is a victory for our school districts and our children,” Rep. Howard said. “This legislation protects the school districts from lawsuits and gives students confidence about their constitutional right to express their views.”

Both bills are now being considered in the Texas Senate. 

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