Gov. Jay Nixon announced that voters will decide on Aug. 7 on a constitutional amendment affirming the right to pray in public places.
The summary of the measure on the Missouri House of Representatives website says it "proposes a constitutional amendment guaranteeing a citizen's right to pray and worship on public property and reaffirming a citizen's right to choose any or no religion."
In its summary of the story, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported on its Political Fix blog that the timing has interesting political ramifications.
As reporter Virginia Young wrote:
The measure is likely to draw social conservatives to the polls. So from a political standpoint, it stands to reason that Nixon, a Democrat, would want to get it out of the way in August, when parties are choosing their nominees, rather than in the general election pitting Democrats against Republicans.
The measure's sponsor, Rep. Mike McGhee (R-Dist. 122), said some "school children are being targeted for professing their religious beliefs."
The language of the ballot measure will read as follows: "Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to ensure: That the right of Missouri citizens to express their religious beliefs shall not be infringed; that school children have the right to pray and acknowledge God voluntarily in their schools; and that all public schools shall display the Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution."
Does Missouri need a measure like this? Do you think there were political motivations behind the timing of the vote, by eliminating a reason for conservatives to show up in the general election? How would you vote on such a measure?
Upon voter approval, this admendment guarantees a citizen's 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. A citizen's right to choose any religion or no religion at all is reaffirmed by prohibiting the state or any of its political subdivisions from establishing an official state religion and from coercing any person to participate in any prayer or other religious activity. The resolution also reaffirms the right of employees and elected officials of the State of Missouri to pray on government premises and public property and 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 governing bodies. Students are allowed to express their religious beliefs in assignments free from discrimination and cannot be compelled to participate in assignments that violate their beliefs. 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.
for the pros & cons: http://www.ballotpedia.com/wiki/index.php/Missouri_Public_Prayer_Amendment_(2012) A "no" vote will not change the current constitutional provisions protecting freedom of religion.
www.ethicallife.org
Praise Allah, He truly works in mysterious ways.