South Carolina General Assembly
115th Session, 2003-2004

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Bill 1237

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INTRODUCED

May 12, 2004

S. 1237

Introduced by Senator Fair

S. Printed 5/12/04--S.

Read the first time May 12, 2004.

            

A SENATE RESOLUTION

TO AFFIRM THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA'S POSITION THAT PUBLIC EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS, HAVE THE SAME FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS THAT ALL OTHER CITIZENS OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA POSSESS.

Whereas, the United States of America was founded by people with strong religious beliefs; and

Whereas, the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America provides, in part, that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; ....", and therefore the government is prohibited from establishing an official religion or interfering with a person's practice of their religion; and

Whereas, the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment was not drafted to protect the people of the United States of America from religion but to protect us from governmental control over religion; and

Whereas, we will not tolerate the misconstrued intent of the First Amendment; and

Whereas, we will not quietly abide the erection of any barriers to the exercise of freedom of religion in public places, including our public schools; and

Whereas, the South Carolina Senate is proud to stand up for the individual rights of the citizens of South Carolina and speak up for people from all races practicing all religions and urge them to continue to fight for the rights given to them by the founding fathers of our great nation. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the Senate of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, affirm the State of South Carolina's position that public employees, including public school teachers, have the same First Amendment rights that all other citizens of the State of South Carolina and the United States of America possess.

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