Commission supports House prayer bill
Published 8:04 am Sunday, February 10, 2002
By By Robert Blankenship, News Editor
The members of the Escambia County Commission will consider voicing their support for a resolution out of the House of Representatives that guarantees greater freedom of prayer in public places, including schools.
House Joint Resolution 81 proposes an amendment to the U.S. Constitution which would guarantee an individuals, including students, right to pray.
The article reads To secure the peoples right to acknowledge God according to the dictates of conscience. Neither the United States nor any state shall establish any official religion, but the peoples right to pray and to recognize their religious beliefs, heritage and traditions on public property, including schools, shall not be infringed.
The United States and the states shall not compose school prayers, nor require any person to join in prayer or other religious activity.
Commission Chairman Larry White said the commission will discuss and vote on whether they want to send a letter indicating their support of the resolution.
White said he supports passage of Resolution 81.
District 1 Commissioner David Stokes said he too would be in favor of passing a resolution of support.
Other items on the agenda include:
The commission will meet Monday, 9 a.m., at the Escambia County Courthouse.