Matt Gaetz says US blessed by 'Supreme Judge of the World' in redundant school prayer bill

Florida U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz has declared the U.S. a "nation under God" in a new bill he plans to introduce that would allow students and staff to freely pray in public schools – a right that is already constitutionally protected under the First Amendment.

Gaetz first teased the new measure, dubbed the “Protect Prayer in Schools Act of 2023,” at the Turning Point Action’s 2023 Action Conference held in mid-July.

Speaking to The Daily Caller, Gaetz reaffirmed his intent to introduce the bill.

“God’s reach does not stop at the schoolhouse gates,” Gaetz said. “Our country’s education policy forbids students and faculty from praying while endlessly promoting degenerate LGBT and anti-white propaganda.”

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In the six-page bill, Gaetz claims that the U.S. is, in fact, a "nation under God" and that the Declaration of Independence "makes clear that our nation was blessed by the 'Supreme Judge of the World' and our laws are derived from 'Laws of Nature' and 'Nature's God.'"

In the bill, Gaetz goes on to say that the First Amendment was never meant to contrast with God, that the Constitution was never meant to make the U.S. a secular country and that it was being "weaponized" to suppress religion in schools.

The majority of the bill, roughly five of its six pages, consists of historical excerpts used to back up his claims before arriving at the true nature of the bill.

Here’s what to know about the Protect Prayer in Schools Act of 2023.

What is the Protect Prayer in Schools Act of 2023?

The Protect Prayer in Schools Act of 2023 is a bill that would allow anyone to pray in school without fear of legal repercussions, which is already a protected right under the U.S. Constitution.

The bill doesn't seek to make any changes regarding religious practice or expression in schools, instead, it allows people to sue anyone who places "any limitation" on someone's ability to engage in personal prayer.

Is prayer illegal in U.S. schools?

Prayer, and religious expression in general, are legal in U.S. schools. The Department of Education provides extensive guidance on how schools can ensure students can exercise these rights in a fair and equal way that promotes freedom of religion.

This guidance is a requirement outlined in section 8524(a) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA). Local school agencies that do not certify in writing that they do not have policies that prevent, or otherwise deny participation in, prayer in public schools are not eligible to receive funding from the ESEA.

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When is prayer allowed in schools?

A summary of the First Amendment found in the National Archives outlines that the government is prohibited from establishing religion and protects religious exercise and expression from unwarranted government interference and discrimination.

The ESEA follows this interpretation by preventing public school officials, acting in their official capacities, from directing or favoring prayer. However, the law does not strip students or teachers of their right to private religious practice and expression.

This means that students are allowed to voluntarily pray at any time during school and openly talk about their religious ideas — even in attempts to persuade their peers.

Read the Protect Prayer in Schools Act of 2023

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Gaetz declares US a 'nation under God' in new school prayer bill