Debate is scheduled to begin soon in the Ohio House on a bill that could bring prayer back to public schools. Sponsoring Republican State Representative Tim Derichson says nearly 40 lawmakers are backing the Ohio Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which would force state courts to find a public interest to restrict religious freedom.
Democratic State Representative Bill Patmon says the standard is already in use in Ohio but the bill would make sure it doesn't change in the future. Patmon says, under the standard, nativity scenes could be allowed on public property.
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The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled school prayer violates the constitutional separation of church and state. Supporters say public expressions of faith need to be protected, but critics say the bill could open the door to using religion as a legal means to break state laws. 17 other states have similar laws in place.