HCS HJR 55 -- RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IN PUBLIC PLACES

SPONSOR:  Jones, 89 (McGhee)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Special Committee on
General Laws by a vote of 7 to 1.

Upon voter approval, this proposed constitutional amendment
guarantees a citizen's First Amendment right to pray and worship
in all public areas including schools as long as the activities
are voluntary and subject to the same rules and regulations that
apply to all other types of speech.

The amendment reaffirms a citizen's right to choose any religion
or no religion at all by prohibiting both the establishment of an
official state religion and any state coercion or endorsement of
religion through practices as composing official state prayers.

Public schools receiving state funds are required to display the
text of the Bill of Rights of the Constitution of the United
States in a conspicuous and legible manner.

The amendment also reaffirms the right of employees and elected
officials of the State of Missouri to pray on government premises
and public property.  The amendment ensures the General Assembly
and other political subdivisions the right to have ministers and
clergymen offer prayers or invocations at meetings or sessions of
the General Assembly or other governing bodies.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2009, FY 2010, and
FY 2011.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill assures the religious
freedoms of all citizens who pray in public places, including
schools, public property, and government buildings.  The bill
also amplifies the rights and restrictions of the free exercise
clause and establishment clause by requiring public schools to
display the text of the First Amendment of the United States
Constitution and ensures Missouri courts cannot forbid the
practice of religion of Missouri citizens.

Testifying for the bill were Representative McGhee; Missouri
Family Network; Missouri Baptist Convention, Christian Life
Commission; and Missouri Family Policy Council.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated October 15, 2008 at 3:12 pm