RICHMOND
Restoring the ability of State Police chaplains to pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Allah, or any other deity is among the top 2009 legislative priorities of a prominent Virginia social conservative group.
“A prayer at public events shouldn’t be banned or censored just because a Christian or religious person delivers it,” Family Foundation president Victoria Cobb said at a Wednesday news conference announcing the group’s legislative package.
The State Police policy flap arose in September when six troopers who also act as chaplains resigned their religious duties in protest over changes in state guidelines.
State Police officials have said the non-sectarian prayer guideline was drafted in response to a federal court ruling about prayers made at government meetings.
Some clergy members and social conservatives, however, view it as anti-Christian salvo.
Del. Bill Carrico, R-Grayson, said compelling chaplains to pray without specific reference to their god “is an egregious violation of their Constitutional rights."
Grayson is the sponsor of legislation to reverse the policy.
Though looming budget cuts may dominate the upcoming legislative session - the General Assembly will face a projected $2.9 billion revenue shortfall when it commences its six-week calendar Jan. 14 - social conservatives are vowing not to allow their agenda to be overshadowed.
“Whether our elected officials like it or not, values issues remain important to a large segment of the electorate,” Cobb said.
The Family Foundation will also push for law changes to: mandate educational instruction on the positive benefits of marriage; require an ultrasound be performed before an abortion; and revoke state funding of Planned Parenthood.
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Don't call on anyone
Imagine No Religion....this would solve the issue.
What?
What ever happened to the will of the people? This is idiotic! Just because some right winged malcontent didn't like public prayer it's being outlawed? Tell the idiot to wear ear plugs! It's about time that the good of the many outweighs the good of the few. If I raise a ruckus over someone talking about "Allah" will they also be required not to talk about him in public? I stand behind the Chaplains decision to leave. This is one bill that needs to pass. We deserve our freedoms. I'm waiting for someone to get upset over Santa Claus and then ---poof -- no more Christmas.
Equal rights...
Do the Chaplains in the Senate and House of Representatives have to pray to anything other than God the I AM? What would be the point then? The other gods don't exist. It is like praying to the Easter Bunny or Santa Claus.
Positive Benefits of Marriage?
Give me a break. That is something parents should be teaching their children, not a school system! And how would you teach that to kids whose religion may teach them differently about marriage? That's interference... Why not teach it in church since marriage is a religious institution? That makes more sense to me. If parents are worth their salt, they'll teach their kids the 'positive benefits of marriage'. Mine did!