Austin, USA - The Texas House gave preliminary approval Monday to a bill encouraging schools to allow religious expression by students in class assignments.
Under HB 3678, religious beliefs expressed in homework, art work and other assignments would be judged by traditional academic standards.
Students couldn't be penalized or rewarded because of the religious content of their work.
Gov. Rick Perry says freedom of religion should not be mistaken for freedom from religion. He says the bill clarifies U.S. Supreme Court decisions, protecting schools from needless lawsuits and ensuring students can express religious views without fear of intimidation.
Critics say the bill is an unconstitutional effort to encourage religion over non-religion in the state's public schools.
The measure also requires schools to establish a "limited public forum" at all school events during which students speak.
Schools would have to develop a neutral method for selecting students to speak at school events and graduation ceremonies. Schools would have to provide a disclaimer that the student's speech was not endorsed by the school district.