Florida Lawmakers Consider Bill That Would Allow Athletic Association to Provide Opening Prayer at Games

On Tuesday, the Florida House of Representatives passed legislation that would mandate that the state’s athletic association “allow schools to broadcast prayer over a public-address system before sporting events,” reported Fox News.

The report added that it specifically targeted the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), which has described itself as the “official governing body for interscholastic athletics in Florida.” The legislation says it would be mandatory that the FHSAA provide a 30-second period for opening remarks, including prayer, at games.

“The FHSAA shall adopt bylaws or policies that require, prior to the start of all athletic events conducted under the direction and supervision of the FHSAA, including but not limited to Florida High School State Championship Series events, that each participating school be provided 30 seconds for opening remarks over the public-address system,” the legislation said.

The legislation also said that “prior to the opening remarks, the public-address announcer shall announce that the content of any opening remarks by a participating school is not endorsed by and does not reflect the views and opinions of the FHSAA.”

CBS12 reported that the House could pass the bill, sponsored by Education Chairwoman Jennifer Sullivan, R-Mount Dora, as soon as Monday. “The House and the Senate then would have to reach agreement before the bill could become law,” the report said.