Proposed bill would put prayer back in Oklahoma schools

Save

Posted: 4:50 PM Jan 2, 2009
Last Updated: 5:23 PM Jan 2, 2009
Reporter: Rita Kotey
Email Address: rita.kotey@kxii.com

56 comments

A | A | A

OKLAHOMA CITY ― A proposed amendment to the Oklahoma Constitution could mean the return of prayer in school and other public places. First News reporter Rita Kotey talked to the Oklahoma lawmaker sponsoring the bill.

Oklahoma State Senator Tom Ivester (D - Elk City) says it is in the state's best interest to allow Oklahomans to exercise their religion in any public place.

If passed, the bill would apply to all religions. It states that all people would have the right to pray and recognize their religious values on any public property.

That public property would include school grounds. It would also ban the state from establishing an official religion or requiring people to join in prayer or religious activity.

Ivester says it is the fairest way to acknowledge all religions and to allow all people to express themselves.

"The ironic thing is before every session of the Legislature we have a prayer a daily prayer. I just think it’s the highest hypocrisy that we can do it up at the State Senate, yet we can’t to it before a football game or high school graduation," Oklahoma State Senator Tom Ivester says.

The Legislature will vote on the bill in February. If approved, it will then go to voters.

Plane takes off from McKinney, crashes in Gulf

Truck driver killed in fiery accident in Tushka

Ardmore’s population steadily growing

Armed robbery suspect sought in Choctaw Co.

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Ron Location: West Vriginia on Jan 20, 2009 at 07:49 PM
Best wishes. We need prayer now more than ever. Good Luck and God Bless Oklahoma and God Bless the United States of America.

Posted by: chad Location: ardmore on Jan 13, 2009 at 03:12 PM
this bill does nothing. there is already prayer allowed in school. it's only point is to make ivester look good.

Posted by: anonymous Location: Durant on Jan 13, 2009 at 01:38 PM
When I attended grade school, we said prayer every morning. If there was anyone who did not believe in prayer or had other reasons not to join in, then they simply waited outside of the classroom until we were finished. Needless to say, we did not have more than 1 student in our class who did this and eventually they realized there was a god and joined us. There is nothing wrong with prayer in schools as long as it does not go overboard. My kids schools sing the national anthem, salute our state flag and sing our state song every morning and have a moment of silence, so a short prayer will not hurt at all. Prayer can do us all good, especially in these trying times. May god bless all of you non-praying Christians out there.

Posted by: Child of God Location: Oklahoma on Jan 13, 2009 at 10:29 AM
I have discovered through the years that trying to champion my lord and saviour seems to bring out the worst in some people and to me that is a shame. My last child graduates this year but i have a grandson and i would like for him to be able to pray in public schools without fear of the ACLU bringing a lawsuit against his family. You say they can pray in public schools and know one bothers them well that isn't true. Whether you choose to believe it or not Jesus will return one day for God and his word are real. If you continue in your unbelief you will spend and eternity without him which is of cours your choice all i can say is how very sad.

Posted by: Me Location: Denison on Jan 13, 2009 at 08:56 AM
One day every knee shall bow, every tongue shall confess. It's sad so many will wait till it's too late.

Posted by: Mork Location: Ork on Jan 12, 2009 at 12:23 PM
Hey Okie - I think you got a point. I know I stopped believing in Santa Clause and he stopped showing up.

Posted by: Okie & Proud Location: Oklahoma on Jan 12, 2009 at 11:06 AM
Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leaves us alone?'In light of recent events... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said ok. Sad how people trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell!

Posted by: OOTO Location: Texoma on Jan 12, 2009 at 08:59 AM
But..."In Treasury We Trust" just doesn't quite have that same ring to it. Besides, its an oxymoron.

Posted by: To A the Okie on Jan 12, 2009 at 02:18 AM
Religion was created by man for man. If it makes you feel all warm and fuzzy good for you! You sure bent over backwards to convince us though! I like the example with the dollar, if the dollar says in god we trust than maybe we should worship the treasury, after all they made it!

Posted by: a Location: oklahoma on Jan 11, 2009 at 08:18 PM
Prayer in school would be great. I know there will be alot of controversy over this. Which there shouldn't be. God put us all on this earth. However, he gaves us choices on how we want to live are life. I know before I got to know God. I was so lost. I did alot of things that I am not proud of. But God is in my life know. Alot of people think when your a christian you stop living. But for me thats when my life begun. Nothing is ever going to be perfect. God just helps smooth it over. Its like seatbelt in a car its not going to prevent you from having a wreck. But it will keep you from flying out of the car. We need to pray for our country a new leader Our children. They are growing up in a corrupt world. The teachers of school need to pray with these kids. This country was based on God. The back of dollar bills says in God we trust. But you don't have a problem spending them. Don't knock God unless you try him.

Posted by: Biffco Location: Sherman on Jan 8, 2009 at 11:49 PM
Hear, hear, Fozzy!! Religion kills...

Posted by: Fozzy Location: Ardmore on Jan 8, 2009 at 05:25 PM
A child needs religion like a fish needs a bicycle..

Posted by: me Location: grayson on Jan 7, 2009 at 09:23 PM
I think if ya wanna Pray, then pray. BUT... I don't like government trying to tell me I cant. And I sure don't want a teacher to tell my children how to pray or when to though.

Posted by: Realist Location: Everywhere you are on Jan 7, 2009 at 08:49 PM
"the fairest way to acknowledge all religions"... Why would you "acknowledge all religions" when your particular religion tells you all the others are false? Or maybe yours is the wrong one. Why is yours right, and theirs wrong? Why even bother, when all religions are nothing more than mythology, in the first place? The only reason most of you, (the ones that are religous), believe a certain way is your place of birth, and your parents/grandparents religous views. If you had been born to a Muslim family in a Muslim country, you would more than likely be Muslim. You know. That religion that was made up in the same part of the world as Christianity, by the same type of people. I guess you can't blame some people for needing the "comfort" of the false hope of seeing dead loved ones again. Luckily, the Christian religion has been "reinvented" so many times to more suit man's beliefs that "Suicide belt" fanaticism has been mellowed down to blissful ignorance. Unless you're from Kansas.

Posted by: Mork Location: Ork on Jan 7, 2009 at 08:41 PM
That Thomas Jefferson was a smart dude. Much smarter than George Jefferson. Well put Hmmmm.

Posted by: Hmmm on Jan 7, 2009 at 06:44 PM
I don't often agree with people on these things, but OOTO has a point. Say you have a teacher who happens to be a Wiccan and wants to do rituals in the classroom, I don't think a lot of parents would appreciate that.. So reverse that, is it truly fair to subject someone who is not a Christian to Christian traditions, and vice versa. I am a Christian, so I can't wait to get attacked for that. Thomas Jefferson said [N]o man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burthened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer, on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities." The government is to remain neutral and not give their opinion. Public schools are an entity of the government. :-)

Posted by: OOTO Location: Texoma on Jan 6, 2009 at 01:52 PM
Anton LaVey....there's a name I haven't heard in a while! Okay now, all of you who want prayer back in school, join me now, in this little prayer: "Bismillaah ar-Rahman ar-Raheem Al hamdu lillaahi rabbil 'alameen Ar-Rahman ar-Raheem Maaliki yaumid Deen Iyyaaka na'abudu wa iy yaaka nasta'een Ihdinas siraatal mustaqeem Siraatal ladheena an 'amta' alaihim Ghairil maghduubi' alaihim waladaaleen Aameen" If you want a translation, "In the name of God, the infinitely Compassionate and Merciful. Praise be to God, Lord of all the worlds. The Compassionate, the Merciful. Ruler on the Day of Reckoning. You alone do we worship, and You alone do we ask for help. Guide us on the straight path, the path of those who have received your grace; not the path of those who have brought down wrath, nor of those who wander astray. Amen. Pretty nice prayer, if you ask me, even if it is of a non Christian faith.

Posted by: GIVE ME YOUR Location: TAXDOLLARS! on Jan 6, 2009 at 01:29 PM
OH YES, I CAN PRAY TO SATAN IN MY CLASSROOM,ALL OF YOUR KIDS YOUNG TENDER MINDS ARE MINE! THEN IF THE SCHOOL TRIE'S TO STOP ME, I WILL FILE A LAWSUIT AND WITH THE LAW PROTECTING ME, I WILL OWN THE DISTRICT! OH YES ITS A WONDERFUL IDEA TO ENCOURAGE RELIGION IN OUR SCHOOLS! REMEMBER YOU SHEEP, ITS A DOUBLE BLADED SWORD YOUR WAVING! REMEMBER ALOT OF POLITICIANS ARE LAWERS! THERE'S ALOT OF MONEY TO BE MADE IN THESE LAWSUITS! I BET I GET TO GO ALL THE WAY TO THE SUPREME COURT! GET THOSE TAXPAYING POCKETBOOKS READY CAUSE HERE I COME!

Posted by: Teacher Location: Your Kids Schools on Jan 6, 2009 at 01:12 PM
GREAT! I CAN NOW TEACH THEM FROM THE QURAN AND PRAY TO ALLAH!, OF COURSE IF THEY DON'T WANT TO PRAY THEY DON'T HAVE TOO! ITS MY CLASSROOM AND ITS GONA BE WITH THE FULL BACKING OF OUR WONDERFUL STATE! PRAIZE ALLAH! IM EVEN THINKING ABOUT TEACHING OUT OF THE SATANIC BIBLE BY ANTON LEVEY! HEY ITS LEGAL! YEP ITS ABOUT TIME FOR PRAYER IN SCHOOL ISN'T IT! I SPEND 8 HOURS A DAY WITH YOUR KIDS FULL ATTENTION! GET THE COUNSELING AND PRISIONS READY CAUSE HERE WE COME!

Posted by: ME Location: HERE on Jan 6, 2009 at 10:39 AM
HEY BUBBA, I GOT YOUR DEER HEAD MOUNT READY, I DIDN'T GET A DEER THIS YEAR, BUT I GOT A FEW DEMOCRATS.

Posted by: Mork Location: Ork on Jan 6, 2009 at 08:41 AM
This is no different than GQ wanting to put his slogan on the TX licenses plate. Folks, the truth is no one can make you or stop you if you want to pray. You don't need a bill/law one way or another. Me I could care less but this is a huge waste of resoruces that could be used in more needed places. What ya'll gonna do the next time a group shows up with their prayer matts and call themselves the jr Jehad league? Ya'll keep pressing the issue and they will have as many rights as the ole' southern babtist holy rollers. Does this mean we must also drop all hollidays, birthday, and sadie hawkins dance so we don't offend the Jahova Witnesses! Can a brother get a witness!!!! Who wants a lemon drop?

Posted by: Car. Location: NC on Jan 6, 2009 at 01:46 AM
This is FREEDOM, And in America (in case some have forgotten) WE were founded on freedom. Our children and our country need God. We have had 30 years without...and look at us, I think we should get 30 years with it back and then judge for yourself. This will allow any religion to stand up in any public place and have a prayer. If you want to be involved in the prayer, do so, if not stay out. It THAT simple, you or your child will not be forced to participate in any prayer they feel they do not want to be a part of. This will just all us to pray at football games, at graduations, and public events. My prayers will be with you.

Posted by: bubba redneck Location: sherman on Jan 5, 2009 at 03:51 PM
LEAVE RELIGION OUT OF "PUBLIC SCHOOLS"..I DON'T WANT MY TAX DOLLARS GOING TO A SCHOOL THAT ALLOWS THIS..IF YOU WANT TO PRAY GO TO A PRIVATE SCHOOL THAT PRACTISES YOUR RELIGION THAT IS WHAT THEY ARE THERE FOR....ok i'll quit yelling now

Posted by: TX Mom on Jan 5, 2009 at 12:37 PM
Fozzy, you are clearly misguided. I feel sorry for you.

Posted by: OOTO Location: Texoma on Jan 5, 2009 at 09:31 AM
Moments of silence exist in many schools to this day. What do you think the purpose of those are? However, for any employee of the school to lead their students in prayer is wrong. It forces that staff member's beliefs on their students. Are you big proponents of this bill telling me, that as a Jew or a Muslim, you have no problems with me saying a Muslim prayer with my students? You all seem to automatically assume the prayer to be led will be one of a Christian nature.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 5, 2009 at 06:09 AM
I think that this is fantastic. I think once others see how dedicated to Islam my child is they will start to ask questions. Praise Allah.

Posted by: texoma Location: oklahoma on Jan 5, 2009 at 05:07 AM
while i do believe that there is a heaven, a hell, a God and a devil this is a touchy subject....one part says bring back prayer, but the other part says its not my place to put my religious beliefs on you...instead of a demoninational prayer what about a general blessing?

Posted by: anonymous on Jan 5, 2009 at 12:56 AM
This will allow any religion to stand up in any public place and have a prayer. If you want to be involved in the prayer, do so, if not stay out. It is very simple, you or your child will not be forced to participate in any prayer they feel they do not want to be a part of. This will just all us to pray at football games, at graduations, and public events. You could, if you wish, have a prayer to satan. That is freedom.

Posted by: Ralph Location: Denison on Jan 5, 2009 at 12:07 AM
Why is it so many people want to make prayer a show rather than a private communication between the believer and God? As I said in an earlier post, Jesus taught us how to pray, and he instructed us to do it privately. This bill/amendment is an abomination!

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 4, 2009 at 11:45 PM
Fozzy? Are you wearing your rubber boots? I only ask because you speak of sheep quite a bit.

Posted by: sadie Location: ardmore on Jan 4, 2009 at 08:11 PM
I am too glad to see our state make a stand. Just because you belive in God doesn't make you all these terrible things that people on here say that Christians are. I choose to send my children to a Christian school and the teachers pray everyday before class, kids are taught the value of Christ like living and to be kind. Last year, in public school, my daughter's pre-k teacher taught the children to pray before meals and sang Christian songs, we were very happy to have her. But, from participating in both secular public and Christian private schools I can tell you that Christ is needed by kids today. Its a shame that it causes such and uproar in the community. But then again, Jesus caused and uproar with the pharises as well.

Posted by: Marlene Location: Denison on Jan 4, 2009 at 07:58 PM
What will keep the Satan worshipers from practicing on campus if this passes? It said ALL religious expression. Be careful what you wish for...

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 4, 2009 at 06:49 PM
The bill will apply to ALL religions. Does this mean we will have a Christian prayer followed by a muslim prayer followed by buddiest pray followed... you get the point. Keep religion out of the states hands and let me raise my kids in there spiritual gorwth. The word of God gets so twisted I want to be in charge of what my kids learn about the word of God

Posted by: Fozzy Location: Ardmore on Jan 4, 2009 at 06:08 PM
The righteous? Now that a laugh! These people forcing prayer in school are no different than the Taliban and other lesser humans. If you feel the need to be a sheep there are many places to do it.

Posted by: n Location: b on Jan 4, 2009 at 04:36 PM
Well speaking as an educated person with common sense I think this is a great idea, I will certainly vote for on this. If you are offended by prayer than you are welcomed to not pray, there will be no armed men forcing you to pray. Just as there should be NO force on earth attempting to stop the righteous from prayer.

Posted by: Sue Location: Atoka on Jan 4, 2009 at 02:01 PM
While I am all for prayer, anywhere, I'm not sure I like the wording on this. It sounds to me like it is going to encourage other religions as much as it does Christianity, and as much as I agree that we need equality, I can see some possible problems in this. I do like the part about it forbidding the state from requiring people to join in prayer or religion. Maybe that would keep Oklahoma's kids from being forced to join in "Muslim Week" like they do in California. Picture what would happen if California forced Muslim kids to join in "Christianity Week." And to Fozzy in Ardmore: I'm not worried about you thinking in my church... or anywhere else.

Posted by: Biffco Location: Sherman on Jan 4, 2009 at 11:51 AM
What's stopping people from praying now? Why is this bill even necessary? Unless its purpose is to force christian religion down the throats of people who don't believe. One of the cornerstones of this country's social foundation is freedom of religion, which includes the freedom to NOT practice any religion at all. A prayer is a private conversation (more of a monologue, actually) between you and your chosen deity and can be done anywhere, anytime. A prayer is private. I'm sure there is already plenty of prayer going on in schools all over the world everyday, especially around final exam time. Maybe we need less religion in this country, not more, and more common sense (the arch-enemy of religion) to guide us. If this bill does pass, will my kids be allowed to lead a prayer to Satan at the next pep rally and make everyone else pray too? Fair is fair...

Posted by: Bill Location: Ardmore on Jan 4, 2009 at 06:56 AM
It's about time someone took a stand to protect our right to pray!

Posted by: r Location: ardmore on Jan 4, 2009 at 02:54 AM
I am FOR it!!!!!

Posted by: Fozzy Location: Ardmore on Jan 3, 2009 at 10:52 PM
There is no need nor legal ground to legally mandate or even recognize this religious quackery. I'll make a deal with the religious hypocrites, I promise not to think in your church (and leave it tax free) if you promise not to pray in my schools.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Bonham TX on Jan 3, 2009 at 10:12 PM
I would love to see Prayers back in all schools! I wish TX would take that stand also.

Posted by: Sharon Location: Russellville, AR on Jan 3, 2009 at 07:17 PM
WELL, PRAISE GOD...LETS ALL HOPE THIS PASSES!

Posted by: Mythoughts Location: Ardmore on Jan 3, 2009 at 12:45 PM
I agree and will vote YES.Look at our youth right now. They need the Lord in their lives more than anything. I am so glad to see Oklahoma making a statement to support prayer in our schools. If your child was hurt on that field wouldn't you want them to feel like GOD is on their side in the battle for recovery? I pray for Travolta and loss of his son. His belief in scientology possibly contributed to his sons demise. They do not belief in mental illness and denied him treatment for the seizures. I hope the media is wrong here but what a shock.

Posted by: some one praying Location: here on Jan 3, 2009 at 08:59 AM
to pastor futz you can never get to much prayer at scool or any where else

Posted by: Concerned parent Location: Durant on Jan 3, 2009 at 08:50 AM
I would LOVE to see this happen. We have a moment of silence every morning as is but to be able to have a prayer said would be fantastic! We had prayer in schools when I was a student and I know it started my day off on the right foot. I would love for our children to have the same chance.

Posted by: okla Location: Ardmore on Jan 3, 2009 at 08:37 AM
Hats off to Mr. Ivester! In order to not offend anyone with open prayers to God, we have allowed God piece by piece to be removed from our society. As I recall history, our government was created based on the principles set forth by God. I feel like our country would not be in the mess it is in if we still openly embraced God (public prayer-schools, public meetings, athletic events, etc.). As Christians, we need to stand together for bills like this. If we stay silent on issues like this, how are we responding to God, and what are we teaching our children? Sometimes being a Christian means making a stand even if it is a tough one. Jesus did.

Posted by: Mujin Location: Lawton on Jan 3, 2009 at 07:43 AM
We here at the schools are already praying. We are praying that the legislature will fund the schools adequately which they seem to be unwilling to do.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 3, 2009 at 06:58 AM
I'm glad my child will finally be able to properly pray 5 times a day now.

Posted by: Ralph Location: Denison on Jan 2, 2009 at 11:27 PM
A student in any public school is already allowed to pray. The restriction imposed by the US Supreme Court pertains to organized prayer, not private, individual prayer. In the Bible, Jesus instucted us how to pray, and he instructed us to do it privately.

Posted by: Mike Location: Madill on Jan 2, 2009 at 11:25 PM
I welcome this. It will give me the liberty to praise my God, the Flying Spaghetti Monster, everytime I vistit His temple...the grocery store.

Posted by: Ardmoreite1 Location: Ardmore on Jan 2, 2009 at 10:38 PM
The religious fanatics need to worry about putting prayer in the home rather than the schools!

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 2, 2009 at 08:58 PM
I can't believe our politicians are wasting time and tax dollars on this. Has no one told this senator that everyone already IS free to practice their religion in public places? Kids can pray in school, they just can't be led in prayer by a teacher (which is a good thing). I still hear prayers at football games and graduation. All this guy wants is to be able to run annoying political commercials next election season that say he "put prayer back in school". What a way to cheapen my religion...

Posted by: Parent Location: S.E.Bryan Co on Jan 2, 2009 at 07:18 PM
How wonderful it would be for my Daughter to start Kindergarten this fall with a PRAYER in her first day of class! Those who choose not to pray, or not even reconize God don't have to participate. The schools can teach every thing BUT the exsistence of GOD. This is only fair to Christians and their children.

Posted by: Pastor Futz on Jan 2, 2009 at 06:14 PM
There's plenty to pray about in Oklahoma schools. ZING!

Posted by: jason Location: ardmore on Jan 2, 2009 at 05:54 PM
I think this would be great to see our state make a stand.

In The Community
Fall Foliage Vacation with Steve LaNore Last Updated: 12:33 PM 06/05/09 - First News meteorologist Steve LaNore wants to invite KXII viewers to join him on an America the Beautiful tour through the breathtaking fall foliage of New England, October 1 to the 9th. You’ll spend two nights in Boston and rediscover colonial America during a fabulous tour of the city. (Full Story)
Tech Camp keeps Sherman kids learning this summer Last Updated: 4:43 PM 06/22/09 - SHERMAN, TX -- Usually kids can't wait to get out of school for summer break, but some Sherman students are right back in class learning some fun new skills at Technology Camp, going on at Sory Elementary School this week . (Full Story)
Sherman I.S.D. Free Sport Camps Last Updated: 3:00 PM 06/08/09 - SHERMAN, TX -- The SISD Curriculum, Instruction Department, and the SISD Athletic Department are teaming up to provide multi-sports camps to SISD students who will be promoting to grades 3-9. (Full Story)
Texas DPS reminds teens to drive safely this summer Last Updated: 10:38 AM 06/17/09 - As summer begins, DPS reminds teens to play it safe while driving. In the U.S., motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens. Approximately 6,000 teens per year are killed in traffic crashes in this country—that’s the equivalent of one commercial airliner full of teens crashing every week. (Full Story)
KXII's Relay for Life Page Last Updated: 11:46 AM 04/29/09 - KXII's Relay for Life Page has details on Relay For Life activites near you. Click on Full Story for details on how you can help fight cancer. (Full Story)
More Headlines

Most Viewed Stories
1.	Durant man, 25, found dead from stab wounds inside home
2.	Couple with Texoma ties accused of digging up dead girl to appear in court
3.	Truck driver killed in fiery accident in Tushka
4.	Plane takes off from McKinney, crashes in Gulf
5.	Suspect sought in Fairview Park robbery
6.	Bonham man drives stolen truck through VA nursing home's doors
7.	Armed robbery suspect sought in Choctaw Co.
8.	Sherman man, 60, convicted of sexual assault
9.	2 caught with guns near Paris bank charged with conspiracy to commit robbery
10.	Marshall Co. woman breaks parole, going back to prison for 25 years