And yet this they do, forbidding even student-led, student-initiated prayer at high school football games.
The statute makes it clear that any religious belief, or lack thereof was a matter of individual conscience, and not a matter of state.
We, the General Assembly of Virginia do enact that no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burthened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer, on account of his religious opinions or belief: but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge or affect their civil capacities.
...or by forbidding a religious practice.The case that led to Doe v. Santa Fe ISD (the football prayer case) was actually brought not by atheists or agnostics, but Catholics and Mormons.And yet this they do, forbidding even student-led, student-initiated prayer at high school football games.
Had the district had a "moment of silence" or allowed all groups to say their prayers they would have probably won their case. Had they alternated groups, they might have won it. But they had a school sponsored and sanctioned election each week to decide which faith would get access to the PA system and a spot on the agenda. That constituted preference, and was found to violate Establishment. (Ironically, the Texas State Constitution specifically forbids preference in addition to Establishment).
One thing also not often noted was the fact that the "prayer vote" was only part of a very highly charged religious atmosphere in the district, where Baptist teachers were allowed to prosletyze and pass out religious tracts in class, and Catholic and Mormon students were often harrased for their dissenting views.
-Eric
" And yet this they do, forbidding even student-led, student-initiated prayer at high school football games."
Prayer has not been forbidden. Students and parents are welcome to have a prayer prior to entering the taxpayer supported stadium.
The last court ruling I read on this, the prayer was not forbidden - the use of public owned equipment was. Why should my tax money be used for religious purposes? Would you object to the PA system, and time allocated for the game being used to promote a pagan religion?