
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, February 10, 1994                   TAG: 9402100125
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Staff report
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                LENGTH: Short

PRAYER-RIGHTS BILLS PASS VA. HOUSE

With little debate, the House of Delegates on Wednesday approved two bills that would clarify students' right to initiate prayers in Virginia's public schools.

The measures, which have generated controversy because of their possible infringement on the constitutional separation of church and state, now go to the Senate, where the same battle likely will be renewed.

Several delegates have argued that nothing currently prohibits students from voluntarily engaging in individual prayer. State law allows a minute of silence daily in public schools.

One bill will allow public school students to "voluntarily engage in student-initiated prayer" if done in accordance with the "constitutional principles of freedom of religion and separation of church and state."

The other directs the state Board of Education and the attorney general to develop guidelines on "constitutional rights and restrictions relating to prayer and other religious expression" in public schools.

Keywords:
GENERAL ASSEMBLY 1994

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