MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Alabama House of Representatives approved a proposed constitutional amendment Tuesday requiring public schools to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and allowing students to initiate and lead prayer in classrooms.
House Bill 511, sponsored by Rep. Reed Ingram (R-Pike Road), passed the chamber in a 94–4 vote after more than two hours of debate. The measure would allow voluntary, student-led prayer at the beginning of the school day, while permitting students who do not wish to participate to leave the classroom.
Ingram said the bill is intended to give students the opportunity to pray rather than mandate religious participation. Federal guidance already allows students to pray in schools so long as the activity is voluntary and does not disrupt instruction.
Lawmakers significantly modified the proposal before passage. A provision that would have penalized school boards with a 25% loss of state funding for noncompliance was removed, and participation in prayer was explicitly made voluntary.
Democratic lawmakers raised concerns that the legislation could make some students uncomfortable or favor certain religious beliefs. Supporters argued the measure restores religious expression in public schools.
The proposed constitutional amendment now moves to the Alabama Senate and would ultimately require voter approval to take effect.
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