ICC Note: On March 30, the Indiana Senate passed House Bill 1024, which gives further protection to religious expression within the public school system. It does not force any students to participate in religious activities, but gives students the ability to pray, or participate in other religious activities, during the school day without repercussion, among other developments. The passage of this bill has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising its protection of religious freedom and others calling it unnecessary.

By Heather Clark

04/03/2017 United States (Christian News Network) – The Indiana Senate has passed a bill meant to protect religious expression in public schools.

H.B. 1024 passed 44-5 on Thursday despite opposition from groups like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

“House Bill 1024 only puts prayer back into schools. It does not mandate or force students to participate in it,” said sponsor Rep. John Bartlett, D-Indianapolis. “It is giving Hoosiers the ability to express their faith without fearing discrimination.”

“It also brings clarification to the First Amendment, which allows people to practice their faith. However, it restricts you from forcing your faith on others,” he said.

The bill passed the passed the House 83-12 last month, and went on to clear a Senate Committee 8-2 weeks later.

“Public school students may pray or engage in religious activities or religious expressions before, during, and after the school day in the same manner and to the same extent that students may engage in nonreligious activities or expression,” the legislation reads in part.

It additionally outlines that students are to be permitted to wear religious symbols or slogans on their clothes or jewelry, and must not be discriminated against for including religious themes in their school assignments.

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