Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, March 4, 1994 TAG: 9403040193
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium
The Senate Education and Health Committee voted 9-5 for Del. David Brickley's bill stating that "students in the public schools may voluntarily engage in student-initiated prayer."
Brickley, D-Woodbridge, said his bill was prompted by a federal court ruling that barred Loudoun County schools from having student-led prayer at graduation ceremonies.
The committee endorsed 8-7 a measure by Del. Clinton Miller, R-Woodstock, requiring the state Board of Education to develop guidelines for student prayer.
Miller said his bill would not establish state prayer.
"My goal is just to get some consistency in policy," he said.
James Jones, president of the state education board, said drafting the policy would be difficult.
Both bills require that the prayers follow constitutional principles covering freedom of religion, but opponents said the law would be abused and wind up forcing students to pray.
"We want the state to keep its clammy hands out of religion," said Henry Langford, Richmond chapter president of Americans United for Separation of Church and State.
Kent Willis, state director of the American Civil Liberties Union, said the bills likely would be challenged in court if they become law.
"These are very vaguely worded bills," Willis said.
Opponents said Brickley's bill could allow many religious activities in school, including students standing up and reciting prayers during class.
The committee rejected an amendment by Sen. Frank Nolen, D-Augusta County, to state that the students' prayers should not interfere with teaching or the rights of other students.
Keywords:
GENERAL ASSEMBLY 1994
by CNB