By Journalist Fatima Dumail (ORU)
The House bill stirred up much controversy and discussion in the chambers.
House bill: ORU 504 by delegate Savannah Burris, which she titled “Edifying God’s Children” Act of 2023. For this bill, she advocated the implementation of the ten commandments in schools. As she was presenting her author’s explanation, murmurs, words, and opinions started flying out slowly in the House. Until, it got to the time of questioning, about more than half of the House delegates prompted up questions. One of the most raised issue is how it could be “unfair” and unconstitutional. A lot of other opinions were raised but most of them ties up to what the majority thinks is that it would be unfair to implement it as is.
In fact, Tallie Tynes (OSU), when asked about her opinion regarding the proposed bill she said that “If we want to be open to this bill, then we also have to be open to any religion bill that comes and gets established in schools,” she stressed that there should not be a need to pick and choose, but rather be united. Furthermore, when asked about what she believes has to be changed, a lot of it ties towards the wording of the bill.
Eventually, debate was called up and the amount of participants who debated were pretty even, seven for proponency, while nine for opponency, and a lot of great arguments were heard.