Nevada prayer-protecting bill draws opposition from all sides

A bill meant to solidify students' First Amendment right to religious expression stirred up a hornet's nest in the Nevada Legislature on Monday over its unintended consequences, even attracting the disapproval of a Christian priest.

"I believe this bill pushes the Christian position, which I do, but not in school," said the priest, testifying before the Assembly Committee on Education, holding its first hearing for Assembly Bill 120.

Under the bill's proposed language, it would protect public school students — in local districts and colleges — who pray in school or express their religious viewpoints in any school work, as long as it's "under the same circumstances as each pupil is allowed to speak or otherwise express a viewpoint on a nonreligious matter."

The bill also defines the complaint process for any public school student who feels their right to religious expression was stifled, starting with an appeal to the school principal and working up to the local school board if a remedy can't be reached. Students still unsatisfied could be awarded up to $10,000 in a lawsuit, according to the bill.

"The lawsuits — I'm afraid — will pile on," said Assemblywoman Amber Joiner, D-Reno, contending that families would be inclined to be unsatisfied because of $10,000 in possible damages.

Read Original Story >