SB616 - Enacts provisions relating to faith-based community health centers
http://www.house.mo.gov/content.aspx?info=/bills101/sbills/sb616.htm
SJR31 - Proposes a constitutional amendment reaffirming a citizen's right to free expression of religion
http://www.house.mo.gov/content.aspx?info=/bills101/sbills/sj031.htm
HJR 62 - RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IN PUBLIC PLACES - McGhee, Mike
http://www.house.mo.gov/content.aspx?info=/bills101/bills/hjr62.htm
SB 616 does seem to be offering faith-based community health centers an exemption from malpractice not available to other community health centers. In terms of church-state separation law, I think a simple removal of the phrase "faith-based" so that it applies to all community health centers would make it legal. It is in a Senate committee right now.
SJR 31 and HJR 62 appear to be Senate and House versions of the same thing - an amendment to the Missouri constitution. Some of the things it would guarantee, we already have. I am concerned about two things, though. On the issue of prayer, of course voluntary school prayer by students is already allowed and no one can be coerced to participate - but what about the right not to be forced to listen to prayers of others (given that students are considered a "captive audience")? It's unclear whether this legislation would respect that concept or is an attempt to undermine it.
Even more troubling is this passage: "that students may express their beliefs about religion in written and oral assignments free from discrimination based on the religious content of their work; that no student shall be compelled to perform or participate in academic assignments or educational presentations that violate his or her religious beliefs;"
This could easily be used by creationists to attack the teaching of evolution in public school science classrooms.
The House bill has not be sent to committee and is not yet scheduled for a hearing. The Senate version is in committee. We'll be keeping an eye on the situation
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