A bill to protect students’ religious expression that passed the Ohio House of Representatives on Wednesday reportedly could have an impact on the grading of tests and other assignments where scientific theory might conflict with religious belief.
By a 61-31 vote, House members passed the “Ohio Student Religious Liberties Act of 2019,” a bill to enshrine additional protections for religious expression in educational settings, including student artwork, clothing options and the ability to have time set aside for private prayer.
The bill would also prevent students from being punished for refusing to answer a question that could conflict with their religious beliefs and their answer will instead be graded on “substance and relevance,” according to WKRC.
The bill’s sponsor, Republican Rep. Tim Ginter, told The Columbus Dispatch the bill “is not an expansion but a clarification (of) what students can and cannot do in religious expression” and added it’s “inclusive legislation that will positively enhance liberties.”
Democratic Rep. Phillip Robinson countered by telling his colleagues the bill was unnecessary.
“I appreciate the sentiment,” he said, “but we already protect religious expression.”
If enacted into law, the Religious Liberties Act will require that students in faith-based clubs be allowed the same access to school facilities as secular clubs. The legislation would also lift an existing ban preventing students from conducting religious demonstrations during their lunch break.
• Bailey Vogt can be reached at bvogt@washingtontimes.com.
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