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2005 SESSION

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HJ 537 Constitutional amendment; free exercise of religion on public property (first reference).

Introduced by: Charles W. Carrico, Sr. | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles

SUMMARY AS PASSED HOUSE: (all summaries)

Constitutional amendment (first resolution); religious freedom. Amends the current religious freedom provisions of the Virginia Constitution to "secure further the people's right to acknowledge God"; to permit prayer and the recognition of "religious beliefs, heritage, and traditions on public property, including public schools"; and to prohibit the Commonwealth and its political subdivisions, including public school divisions, from composing school prayers or requiring individuals to "join in prayer or other religious activity."

The current constitutional provision parallels the federal free exercise/establishment clauses of the U.S. Constitution and provides for the free exercise of religion "according to the dictates of conscience" and prohibits the General Assembly from compelling persons to participate in religious activity.


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