Lawmakers want more prayer in public school

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Four South Carolina state representatives are sponsoring legislation that would allow more prayer in public schools.

State Rep. Richie Yow, R-Chesterfield, said that one bill would let teachers conduct school-led prayer. Another would allow teachers to take part in student-led prayer.

"It's saying that she has the right to participate just like the child does,” Yow said. “There's no force in anything. All that it's saying, is that a teacher has the right to be protected by her job and if that teacher wants to bless her food, or to say her prayers, she has that right."

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The bills are in committee and haven't been put up for a vote.

Critics say while the Supreme Court has ruled against school-led prayers in mandatory events like school assemblies, student-led prayers and faith-based student groups are already allowed.

A South Carolina resident said that he doesn't see any issue with the bills.

“If my teacher, when I was in middle school, was praying at her desk or praying with a couple of students, and I was agnostic, atheist, Jewish whatever, not a part of her prayer, I don't think I'd feel intimidated or uncomfortable," Alan Patrick said.

Another resident said that it is a touchy issue and understands how others would not be on board.

"Well, I mean it does say in the Constitution about separation between state and church, so I think that’s important to keep that separate," James Hart said.

Cox Media Group