The Texas House State Affairs Committee has begun hearing testimony on a bill that "would guarantee youngsters the freedom to express their religious beliefs at school."
The Religious Viewpoint Anti-Discrimination Act was written by Warren Chisum and Charlie Howard and has been sponsored by a handful of House members including our own Mike O'Day and Dennis Bonnen.
The bill is a response to allegations that students in K-12 schools have been punished for expressing their religious beliefs. Governor Perry has endorsed it and stated that it simply would allow for more discussion: "Discussion does not lead to indoctrination. Rather, it leads to open-mindedness and personal and educational betterment."
A blogger at the Chron wonders that since free expression (a civil liberty my 2301's will be covering shortly) is already guaranteed by the U.S. and Texas Constitutions, is the bill really necessary? Howard states that it is because it will codify into Texas law what the courts have already mandated.
