N.Y. Senate committee passes church/school bill

A New York State Senate committee has stepped in on behalf of churches that soon will not be allowed to meet in public schools in New York City.

Sponsored by assistant Senate Majority Whip Martin J. Golden, the bill would "prevent school districts from excluding groups from meeting on school property because of the religious content or viewpoint of their speech, including allowing religious worship services."

I salute the New York State Senate Education Committee on taking bold and decisive action on this important issue," said New York City Councilman Fernando Cabrera, who urged state legislators to address the matter. "I am confident the Assembly will follow suit, and urge Gov. [Andrew] Cuomo to sign the legislation when it reaches his desk."

If S6087A, approved by the committee Jan. 24, does not pass, New York City would become the first major city nationwide to ban churches from meeting in public schools. Keep reading.