- April 24, 2024
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Student-led school prayer could be authorized in Florida, should Senate Bill 700 clear through all Senate committees. It passed unanimously through the Senate Education Pre-K-12 Committee Thursday, April 14.
Sponsored by Sen. Gary Siplin (D-Orlando), the bill adopts resolutions allowing the use of prayers of invocation or benediction at commencement exercises or other school-related 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’m simply trying to empower our school districts to allow students to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and freedom of religion in the school setting,” Siplin said.
The bill is being carried in the House by Rep. Charles Van Zant (R-Keystone Heights) and requires that if changes are adopted, the resolution must include language to ensure that the usage of inspirational messages or prayer come from students, only students may participate and that the messages must be nonsectarian and non-proselytizing.
After being temporarily postponed twice, the bill passed by a 3-0 vote. It is next slated to be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
