Texas House Bill HCR17

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Supporting prayers, including the use of the word "God," at public gatherings and displays of the Ten Commandments in public educational institutions and other government buildings.

Impact

If enacted, HCR17 may influence state laws regarding religious expressions in public spaces. It acknowledges and concretizes a framework within which the state government aligns itself with religious interpretations that can potentially facilitate greater latitude for the inclusion of religious practices in both governmental and public educational institution settings. The passage of this resolution could lead to increased occurrences of religious symbols and activities in schools and government functions, establishing a precedent for similar legislative support.

Summary

HCR17 is a concurrent resolution that expresses support for the inclusion of prayers, including the use of the word 'God', at public gatherings and endorses the display of the Ten Commandments in public educational institutions and other government buildings. The resolution reflects a belief in the historical significance of the Ten Commandments as a foundational moral code that has influenced Western civilization and underscores the perspective that the founding fathers of the United States recognized a divine presence.

Contention

The resolution fuels debate over the separation of church and state, as it suggests a governmental endorsement of religious practices that may clash with constitutional interpretations advocating for secularism. Opponents may view this as infringing upon the rights of individuals who do not subscribe to the same religious beliefs or who adhere to secular philosophies. The inclusion of prayers and religious symbols in state-sponsored activities could lead to allegations of favoritism towards specific religious groups and may provoke legal challenges concerning religious freedom and taxpayer funding of religious displays.