'Inspirational message' bill moves forward

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Tbo.com
Published: January 31, 2012

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TALLAHASSEE — A bill that would allow prayer and other "inspirational messages" to be delivered by students at school assemblies is moving forward in the Senate despite concerns over church and state separation.

The bill (CS/SB 98) was debated today and could be voted on as early as Wednesday.

Bill sponsor Gary Siplin says he changed the language to include students in kindergarten through 12th grade instead of just high schoolers.

The bill does not define "inspirational" but the Orlando Democrat admitted it could include student-initiated and student-led prayer.

Other Democratic senators say the bill may be unconstitutional. U.S. Supreme Court decisions have banned state-sponsored prayer in public schools. The measure enjoys wide Republican support.

A House version of Siplin's bill is stalled.