PRINTER'S NO. 564
No. 524 Session of 1979
INTRODUCED BY FISCHER, MARCH 6, 1979
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, MARCH 6, 1979
AN ACT
1 Amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), entitled "An
2 act relating to the public school system, including certain
3 provisions applicable as well to private and parochial
4 schools; amending, revising, consolidating and changing the
5 laws relating thereto," permitting the voluntary recitation
6 of the Lord's Prayer and the pledge of allegiance in public
7 elementary schools at the option of the school district.
8 The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
9 hereby enacts as follows:
10 Section 1. The act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known
11 as the "Public School Code of 1949," is amended by adding a
12 section to read:
13 Section 1521. Voluntary Recitation of the Lord's Prayer and
14 the Pledge of Allegiance in Public Elementary Schools.--As a
15 continuation of the policy of teaching the history of our
16 country and as an affirmation of the freedom of religion in this
17 country, a school district may authorize the recitation of the
18 traditional Lord's Prayer and the pledge of allegiance to the
19 flag in public elementary schools. Pupil participation in the
20 recitation of the prayer and pledge of allegiance shall be
21 voluntary. Pupils shall be reminded that this Lord's Prayer is
1 the prayer our pilgrim fathers recited when they came to this
2 country in their search for freedom. Pupils shall be informed
3 that these exercises are not meant to influence an individual's
4 personal religious beliefs in any manner. The exercises shall be
5 conducted so that pupils shall learn of our great freedoms,
6 which freedoms include the freedom of religion and are
7 symbolized by the recitation of the Lord's Prayer.
8 Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
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