MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama lawmakers have introduced a controversial bill, House Bill 231, that would require public K-12 schools to conduct daily recitations of the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer reflecting Judeo-Christian values. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Reed Ingram and 13 other Republican lawmakers, was introduced on February 6 and is currently pending in the House State Government Committee.
If enacted, HB 231 would amend the state constitution to mandate these practices at the start of each school day. While participation in the Pledge is voluntary, schools found non-compliant with the prayer or Pledge requirements could face significant financial penalties, including a 25% reduction in state funding for repeated violations. The measure would be subject to voter approval in a special election.
Critics argue that the bill raises serious constitutional concerns, particularly regarding the separation of church and state. Opponents also highlight that even some Christians object to mandatory displays of patriotism or prayer in public institutions, making this proposal divisive among religious groups. Proponents claim the bill promotes patriotism and moral values but have faced pushback from civil liberties advocates who describe it as coercive and exclusionary.
The debate over HB 231 underscores broader tensions about religion’s role in public education and whether such mandates align with constitutional protections. The bill’s future remains uncertain as it awaits committee review.