Increased religious protection might be coming to Indiana public school students, although some say it is not needed.
Rep. John Bartlett (D–Indianapolis) wants to ensure that students’ religious viewpoints are protected. Bartlett authored House Bill 1024, which states that students may pray, wear religious attire and jewelry, and engage in religious activities before, during and after the school day. During a House Education Committee hearing, Bartlett said school prayer would not be mandatory, but the law would protect students who want the opportunity to pray and ensure time is provided for students to express their beliefs.
“House Bill 1024 only puts prayer back into schools. It does not mandate or force students to participate in it,” said Bartlett in a press release. “It is giving Hoosiers the ability to express their faith without fearing discrimination. It also brings clarification to the First Amendment, which allows people to practice their faith. However, it restricts you from forcing your faith on others.”
Opponents of the bill say religion is already acknowledged in most schools with a moment of silence, that prayer should be taught in religious institutions and that many of the protections the bill is fighting for are already protected by the First Amendment.
House Bill 1024 passed the Indiana House with a vote of 83–12. It will now move to the Senate for consideration.
For more information on House Bill 1024, visit iga.in.gov.
