MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - An Alabama lawmaker is seeking to let public school teachers begin each day by reading opening prayers that were given in Congress.
The House Education Policy held a public hearing Wednesday on the legislation.
The bill would set aside 15 minutes at the start of each school day to study the procedures of Congress, and give a verbatim reading of a congressional opening prayer.
Bill sponsor, Rep. Steve Hurst, says teachers could choose a prayer that related to the day’s lesson. He says teachers might choose a prayer that was said on a particular day in history.
Opponents say the proposal is unconstitutional.
Susan Watson, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Alabama, says the proposal is teacher-led prayer being dressed up as a civics lesson.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.