Texas state senator reveals plan to 'put God back in government'
A Texas state GOP senator on Monday elaborated on his goal to integrate "God into schools" through his recently passed bill that allows "trained social workers to be replaced by Christian chaplains in public schools," Friendly Atheist reports.
Friendly Atheist notes, however, Texas "religious chaplains are begging districts not to go through with it."
During a Monday appearance on "The WallBuilders Show," Sen. Mayes Middleton said:
"what happened is our U.S. Supreme Court, thanks to President Trump's appointments, made it possible for us to go win some of these fights and put God back in government so people can freely exercise their religious beliefs in government and in schools."
… This allows students, faculty, staff, to freely exercise their religion and have this tool available. Someone to talk to from a Godly perspective, because chaplains represent God in government. That's what they do and that's what we need more of in this country. And thankfully, because of the Coach Kennedy case, we're able to do that without any legal challenges. Of course, these atheist groups out of Washington D.C. oppose chaplains in schools, but their legal arguments are now totally meritless, and they won't win if they try.
READ MORE: Ohio Republicans propose allowing chaplains in public schools
Friendly Atheist notes:
First of all, the idea that there are a slew of atheist organizations based in Washington, D.C.—and that they all have this outsized power—is laughable. (If only!)
But more to the point, no church/state separation group would ever prevent a staffer or student from seeing a chaplain who shares their religious views. They can always go to church for that. What they can’t do—and shouldn’t be allowed to do—is use government resources to advance their religious agenda.
The news outlet also reports "Middleton added that part of his legislation required Texas districts to vote on whether or not they wanted to allow chaplains into their schools… but it’s not really a choice. Because if they vote against it, Middleton says litigation could be forthcoming."
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