Senator Gary Siplin, District 19 — Press Release

Senator Gary Siplin's School Prayer Bill Clears Second Committee

Senate Bill 98 authorizes school districts to allow student-led prayer at school events

Tallahassee — A bill that will authorize school districts to permit student-led inspirational messages, including prayer at school-related events passed the Senate Judiciary Committee today.

Senate Bill 98, sponsored by Sen. Gary Siplin (D-Orlando), authorizes school boards to adopt resolutions allowing the use of inspirational messages, including prayers of invocation or benediction at secondary school commencement exercises or other school-related, non-compulsory student assemblies.

“The majority of states already have laws enacted that permit prayer or silent meditation – and in some instances, mandate prayer or silent meditation.  I simply want to empower our school districts to allow students to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and freedom of religion in the school setting,” stated Siplin.

The bill, which is being carried in the House by Rep. Charles Van Zant, (R-Keystone Heights), requires that if a school board chooses to adopt a resolution to allow student delivery of inspirational messages or prayers, the resolution must include language to ensure that the usage of inspirational messages or prayer is the sole decision of the students and that only students may participate.

The bill passed by a 5-1 vote.

It is next slated to be heard in the Senate Rules Committee.

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