Ruth Rendon, The Houston Chronicle, August 13, 2007
SUGAR LAND, Tx. — Student Natasha Gualy was all smiles Tuesday knowing that when she shares her Christian faith at school, she will not be reprimanded or humiliated.
Gov. Rick Perry conducted a ceremonial signing of House Bill 3678 aimed at reaffirming students’ rights to express religious viewpoints. Perry officially signed the bill, also known as the Religious Viewpoints Anti-Discrimination Act, in June.
Surrounded by schoolchildren at the Clements High School library, Perry signed the bill sponsored by state Rep. Charlie Howard, R-Sugar Land.
The bill does not create a new law but rather provides a model policy that school districts can adopt.
“What it does is create a win-win situation for the schoolchildren, school administrators and the taxpayers of the state of Texas,” Howard said. Many school districts across the state, he said, have been sued by parents after children were prohibited from talking about their faith, saying “Merry Christmas” or handing out religious Valentine’s Day cards.
Using case law and U.S. Supreme Court decisions, the bill lays out what is admissible in Texas schools. The Supreme Court has ruled that religious discussion in schools is legal, he said.
“For years, our children have not been able to share their faith and beliefs for fear that they’ll end up in the principal’s office. That’s sure not the American way and that’s sure not the Texas way,” Perry said to a round of applause from those in attendance.