Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate debates and advances resolution urging Congress to permit a moment of silence in schools
Summary
Senators debated HJR 6, a resolution urging Congress to consider a constitutional amendment allowing a voluntary moment of silence in public schools. Supporters framed it as a middle ground; opponents called parts of the whereas clauses inaccurate and warned about imprecision. The resolution advanced to third reading with 22 ayes, 5 no votes and 2 absent.
The Utah Senate debated HJR 6 on Feb. 15, 1995, a resolution that calls on Congress to consider a constitutional amendment permitting a voluntary moment of silence in public schools.
Sponsor remarks described the measure as a request to Congress, not a mandate for Utah schools: it ‘‘calls on Congress to consider proposing a constitutional amendment’’ to provide a moment of silence so students may meditate, contemplate or offer silent prayer if they choose. ‘‘This does not impose that on anyone,’’ the sponsor said during floor remarks.
Opponents focused on the language of the resolution’s whereas clauses. Senator Steiner said two clauses implied that prayer in schools had been ‘‘virtually abolished’’ and that the Supreme Court had undermined free access to religion; he called that characterization ‘‘insulting to parents’’ and objected to imprecise drafting. Other senators said they disliked the resolution’s hedging, with one member urging a clearer statement of intent rather than what he called a ‘‘backdoor’’ approach.
Supporters said the resolution is a compromise that respects religious diversity while acknowledging families’ rights. One supporter said the measure ‘‘provides a moment of silence, not prayer,’’ allowing students to decide how to use the time.
After debate, the chamber voted to advance HJR 6 to third reading; the clerk recorded 22 ayes, 5 no votes and 2 absent.
