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Bill On Religion Sparks Controversy
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JEFFERSON CITY - A Missouri House bill devised to expand religious freedom meets considerable opposition inside the House.

A Missouri House Representative will bring a controversial bill on religious freedoms for the fourth time to the House floor tomorrow.

The bill allows people to pray on all public areas like government buildings and schools. Among other things, the bill also reaffirms that Missouri must not adopt an official religion.

The bill's sponsers say it came from their personal belief.

"I think it's important the constitution says you can pray in school or public places but most people don't realize that. What we're gonna do is straighten that out and get that out to the public," says rep. Mike McGhee, Republican, District 122.

The bill has divided House members along partisan lines.

Opponents from the Democratic side argue the bill is simply "unnecessary."

They say it is just an attempt to appeal to conservative constituents for future elections.

"It's one of the bills that we don't really need to spend our time (on) inside the legislature," says Rep. Mike Talboy, Democrat, District 37th. "Even thought it's an important right that we have as individuals but it's already covered by the federal constitution."

All eyes will be on the House floor tomorrow to see whether Rep. McGhee can get his bill through. He vowed even if it doesn't pass this time, he will introduce it in the future. But, if passed, the bill will go the senate.

For more information on the bill visit the link above. 

: Mohammed Salih

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