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By a vote of 31 to 8 state Senators approved legislation to allow prayer at school events. The bill soared through the legislative process with bipartisan support, but as Whitney Ray tells us, the members who opposed the bill say if it becomes law court challenges will follow.

Lawmakers prayed Wednesday, before taking up bills on the Senate Floor.

On the agenda; school prayer. State Senator Gary Siplin has legislation to allow students to organize prayer at school events like football games and graduation.

“On their own volition, voluntarily, without any type of input from any type of adults, issue or say inspirational message,” said Siplin.

The bill forbids parents or teachers from participating in or even suggesting a prayer. The bill is receiving bipartisan support.

But there are a few senators who oppose the bill. They say it violates the constitutional separation between church and state. State Senator Arthenia Joyner says if the bill becomes law, court challenges will follow.

“It’s unconstitutional. It allows students from elementary to 12th grade to come up with an inspirational message,” said Joyner.

Students already pray in school individually, supporters say before every test. But organized pray at school assemblies forces nonbelievers to listen and opponents say that violates their rights. The focus now shifts to the House were the bill has been stuck in an education subcommittee since October.