Minister and attorney Alan Reinach Esq. looks at the two controversial measures, and what it means for Texas’ religious stature as a whole.
It appears that the Texas Legislature won’t be allowing the Ten Commandments to be put into every school in the state after all.
The bill, dubbed SB 1515, would’ve required the posting of the Commandments – something that many considered “a violation of religious liberty.” However, the controversial bill failed to make its way to the session, meaning there’s no chance – at least for now – for it to become law. That said, don’t be surprised if members of the Texas Senate push it in the next session.
That said, another bill, SB 763, did manage to pass Texas Legislature. With it, school districts are required to hire chaplains in certain roles, including student counselors, without any definition or standards for who could use the title. With this, some are concerned how these chaplains could potentially “insert religious indoctrination into public education,” according to BJCOnline.
Joining us now to discuss these controversial measures – and why the state may be trying to introduce them to schools – is Seventh-Day Adventist minister and attorney Alan J. Reinach, Esq. His expertise will certainly be welcome in this matter.
Q&A:
- What do you think prompted the Texas Senate to introduce these bills into the Legislature to begin with? Are they really that driven to have religious messages in public schools?
- Some believe that displaying the Commandments in a public school is “a violation of religious liberty.” Do you agree with this statement?
- Some also believe that chaplains are not only the wrong fit for certain roles within schools, but could also introduce “religious indoctrination into public education.” What are your thoughts on this?
- Is there a better role that chaplains could be considered for in schools, if any?
- You made note of a recent column by Garrison Keillor, discussing Texas’ thoughts of implementing religion rules in schools. What do you think about what he said?
- Where can listeners go to get more information about you, as well as your organization, the Church State Council?
Those wishing to learn more can visit http://www.churchstate.org.
About Alan J. Reinach, Esq….
Alan J Reinach, Esq., is a Seventh-day Adventist minister and attorney, and is lead trial counsel for petitioner, Gerald Groff. He has served as Executive Director and General Counsel of the Church State Council, the oldest public policy and legal services organization in the southwest devoted to religious freedom and the separation of church and state since 1994. For more than three decades, his law practice has emphasized representing workers denied religious accommodation, or subjected to harassment and/or retaliation because of their faith.
CONTACT: Jerry McGlothlin 919-437-0001, or geraldmcg@outlook.com.
