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Oregon State Legislature Repeals Law Banning Religious Apparel Worn by Public School Teachers
It has been a tremendous month for religious freedom, particularly for Sikhs, Muslims, Jews, Hindus and Christians who have been systematically dismissed and fired for teaching in their religion's required dress since 1925 in Oregon's public schools!
The vote of 51-8 for HB 3686 on February 10 by Oregon's House members, and the vote of 21-9 in the Senate on February 23, was by much larger margins than anticipated. The legislative staff of Oregon House Speaker Dave Hunt said that Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski will likely sign the bill into law in the next couple of weeks.
The bill was part of an effort to repeal Oregon’s blanket prohibition dating back to 1925 of the wearing of religious apparel by teachers in public schools. Oregon was one of only three states with such a prohibition, in addition to Nebraska and Pennsylvania.
This legislation was initiated by the Northwest Religious Liberty Association, the Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, Oregon Family Council and the Portland State University Muslim Student Association, against opposition from the American Civil Liberties Union.
Rep. Dave Hunt, Oregon Speaker of the House, was chief sponsor of the bill, along with the state’s Education and Labor Departments. Doug Clayville, Oregon pastor and NRLA state vice president for Oregon, delivered NRLA’s written testimony during committee hearings prior to the vote. More...
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