Today: Ozarks Voters to Decide 'Right to Pray' Issue

The U.S. Constitution protects the right to pray in public places, but supporters for the amendment want to reaffirm those rights. Those opposed say the amendment doesn't add anything to the existing law.

It's called the Constitutional Amendment 2.  Last May, Governor Jay Nixon signed a proclamation to put the proposed amendment on the August ballot.

Under the amendment, "...any person shall have the right to pray individually or corporately in a private or public setting so long as such prayer does not result in disturbance of the peace or disruption of a public meeting or assembly..."

"You really can't have too many restraints on the freedom of religion," says Rep. Charlie Norr (D-132 District). He says this part of the Missouri Constitution is acceptable, but  the new amendment will cover more ground. ""I believe it was adequate before, but this does expand it and make it more accessible to schools."

The amendment reaffirms that students can privately pray in public schools, but it would not allow schools to hold class prayers.

Republican Ken Boyce, a candidate for the 136th District, says the amendment is more of a recognition of the rights we already have.

"We're getting to a point where people are saying, 'If you would like for it to be reduced to writing, here it is. It's here in writing.'"

Some voters believe their child shouldn't be denied this right.

"I'd come unglued" says Linda Saggese. "I really would."

"That's our constitutional right as far as I know public place or private place," says Patty Lane.

Another addition of the amendment says,"...all free public schools receiving state appropriations shall display, in a conspicuous and legible manner, the text of the bill of rights of the constitution."

"I think it's a good section explaining the Bill of Rights," adds Norr. "Sometimes opponents didn't like the idea, but it is part of the constitution and I believe the children in school should be aware of the Bill of Rights.".

The amendment also says students can express religious beliefs in assignments, free from discrimination.

See Also:
Right to Pray in Schools Up for Vote in Missouri
Missouri 'Right to Pray' Issue Set For August 7th Vote