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Senate committee approves bill to require a brief moment of silence in Kentucky public schools
Summary
The Kentucky Senate Education Committee voted unanimously to advance SB19, which would require public schools to set aside 60–120 seconds each day for a moment of silence or reflection and clarifies that the practice is not a school-led prayer.
Senate Bill 19, which would require public schools in Kentucky to provide a daily moment of silence or reflection lasting between 60 and 120 seconds, advanced out of the Senate Education Committee in a unanimous voice vote after presentations and public testimony.
Proponents told the committee the measure is intended to offer students a brief opportunity for reflection or focus without imposing any religious practice. Senator Rick Girdler, who introduced the bill, described it as "basically what this bill entails," adding that it does not impose religious connotations or compel speech.
Rabbi Shlomo Litzman, director of Central Kentucky's Chabad Lubavitch and chairman of the Kentucky Jewish Council, said SB19 "does not infringe on religious freedom" and…
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