ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, December 3, 1995 TAG: 9512040090
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A2 EDITION: METRO
Two proposals to amend the Constitution's provisions on religious freedom are before the House Judiciary Committee. Following are the texts of those two proposals, as well as the First Amendment's relevant wording on religion:
First Amendment (became law Dec. 15, 1791, when Virginia became the 11th state to ratify the first 10 amendments):
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,..."
Proposed "religious equality amendment" (Offered by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Henry Hyde, R-Ill., and co-sponsored by Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Roanoke, and Rep. Charles Cannady, R-Fla.):
"Neither the United States nor any State shall deny benefits to or otherwise discriminate against any private person or group on account of religious expression, belief, or identity; nor shall the prohibition on laws respecting an establishment of religion be construed to require such discrimination."
Proposed "religious liberties amendment" (Offered by Rep. Ernest Istook Jr., R-Okla., with numerous co-sponsors):
"Nothing in this Constitution shall prohibit acknowledgments of the religious heritage, beliefs, or traditions of the people, or prohibit student-sponsored prayer in public schools. Neither the United States nor any State shall compose any official prayer or compel joining in prayer, or discriminate against religious expression or belief."
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