Henry Vetoes Religious Viewpoints Act

Governor Henry today vetoed a controversial measure to protect religion in schools.

Henry vetoed House Bill 2633, called the "Religious Viewpoints Antidiscrimination Act," by Senator James A. Williamson, R-Tulsa, and Rep. Sally Kern, R-Oklahoma City.

The bill states that "students may express their beliefs about religion in homework, artwork and other written and oral assignments free from discrimination based on the religious content of their submissions. Homework and classroom assignments shall be judged by ordinary academic standards of substance and relevance and against other legitimate pedagogical concerns identified by the school district. Students shall not be penalized or rewarded on account of the religious content of their work."

Henry said students are already allowed to express their faith through voluntary prayer and other activities. He said the legislation is well-intended, but vague and "may trigger a number of unintended consequences that actually impede rather than enhance such expression."

Schools could be forced to provide equal time to fringe groups that masquerade as religions and advocate behaviors such as hate speech.

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