Ohio Senate passes bill protecting student religious observance

COLUMBUS—Earlier today, the Ohio Senate passed the CCV-backed Senate Bill 49 (SB49) with a unanimous vote, which would require public schools to allow students up to three days of excused absence each academic year for religious observance. Sponsored by Sen. Michele Reynolds (R-Canal Winchester), SB49 now goes to the Ohio House for committee approval, and then a floor vote.

"Students should not have to choose between practicing their faith and performing well academically," stated Nilani Jawahar, CCV Legislative Liaison. "They should not have to worry that they will be penalized by the state for committing to their religious and spiritual formation."

"For the state to remain neutral on religion does not mean non-religious students should have an advantage over religious students, but that all students—regardless of their background and beliefs—should be reasonably accommodated.

"SB49 would allow students who choose to take a religious expression day to make up any missed work at a later date so no student feels his religious observance is in conflict with his ability to obtain a good education."

CCV is grateful for Senator Michele Reynolds and Senate President Matt Huffman for their leadership on this important religious freedom bill.

You can read the bill and see its progress through the legislature here.

For more information, contact CCV at 513-733-5775 or contact@ccv.org.

As Ohio’s largest Christian public policy organization, Center for Christian Virtue seeks the good of our neighbors by advocating for public policy that reflects the truth of the Gospel. 

###