Religious-expression bill gets a preliminary OK

A bill intended to allow the free expression of religion in schools and other public places without government interference, modeled after a federal act, won preliminary approval, 24-2-3, in the Senate Tuesday.

But a number of senators indicated they might reconsider their support for SB111 when it comes up for a final vote. And two Salt Lake Democrats, Sen. Ross Romero and Sen. Scott McCoy, voted against the bill.

The bill's sponsor, Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, said the bill is needed because "there is so much fear out there about freedom of religion in our schools and in our government, it's just unbelievable."

He cited instances where students were sent home from school for wearing religious-themed items including T-shirts and badges and said the bill would make it clear such apparel is permitted. Buttars said the bill would not affect prohibitions against nativity scenes and other religious displays on public property.

McCoy, however, questioned whether the bill was needed. He said while he agreed the students should be allowed to wear the religious items, the bill was "a huge step" that lawmakers should think twice about taking because it could open up the state to lawsuits.