October 12, 2007
Prayer Optional, Silence Required, Lawmakers Say
by Ray Long and Jeffrey Meitrodt
Chicago Tribune
State lawmakers moved Illinois to the forefront of the national school-prayer debate Thursday, requiring public schools to provide students with a brief moment of silence at the start of classes.
The House joined the Senate in voting to override Gov. Rod Blagojevich's veto of legislation mandating the period for "silent prayer or for silent reflection on the anticipated activities of the day."
The governor had said he believes in the "power of prayer" but worried the law could erode the barrier between church and state.
"This was never about trying to require prayer in the schools," said Rep. Will Davis (D-Homewood), a lead sponsor of the new law. "This is a way for teachers and students to [start] their day off in the right way."
Read the complete story (Some news sites require registration)
Related Headlines
Bishops discuss authority over Catholic colleges after uproar over Notre Dame's honor of Obama
