NE2: Freedom of Speech Reiteration (Law)

[SWE]

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Sponsor: Representative dallasfan65

Debate on this bill will last for 72 hours, or until 2:49 on Sunday, September 7, unless modified or extended. The sponsor has 36 hours to advocate for this proposed legislation. If he does not, this bill will be tabled as there is other pending legislation in the queue.

[#CriminalizeSobriety]

OK.

In contemporary politics, the Pledge of Allegiance is a controversial issue. Some contend that students are under no obligation to utter the phrase "under god," due to the provision in the Constitution establishing the freedom of religion. The compromise has long been that students are at liberty to remain silent during the utterance of "under god." However, I believe this underscores a larger point: the Pledge of Allegiance itself is an undue compulsion of speech and thought.

This opinion isn't exclusive to Atlas. As early back as 1938, Judge Marris wrote:

You must be logged in to read this quote.

citation

I don't know that it would be enough to merely make it voluntary to participate in the Pledge. Considering how ingrained it is in our culture, not standing up for the Pledge of Allegiance is tantamount to a thoughtcrime, and can lead to ostracism.

As for the school prayer thing, I may be wrong but I seem to recall real life provisions of school prayer being conditional of silence. Nothing in this bill would stop people from praying to themselves, and people may still do so during designated times of the day.

[Talleyrand]

Dallasfan, I agree with you regarding the Pledge of Allegiance, but what do you think of the idea of replacing the "voluntary prayer" period with a simple moment of silence for a short period of time? Seems like it would be inoffensive to both religious and nonreligious people.

[sentinel]

I agree with Dallasfan. That "Tacky" thing is incredibly dumb though.

[#CriminalizeSobriety]

Dallasfan, I agree with you regarding the Pledge of Allegiance, but what do you think of the idea of replacing the "voluntary prayer" period with a simple moment of silence for a short period of time? Seems like it would be inoffensive to both religious and nonreligious people.

Seems fair enough - did you have a specific amendment you'd like to propose?

I agree with Dallasfan. That "Tacky" thing is incredibly dumb though.

I chose "Tacky" due to the fact that the Supreme Court struck down our noble attempt to ban Happy several months ago. If we cannot free ourselves from this phascism, I hold that our schools reserve the right to play Weird Al's parody, which has much more lyrical depth and creativity than the original.

[Talleyrand]

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Proposing this.

[free my dawg]

Of course. As a member of the Basedworld minority, I support the secularization of Atlasia.

[#CriminalizeSobriety]

Friendly

[Deus Naturae]

Another thing to consider is that "Under God" is not the only potentially offensive provision in the Pledge. Personally, I refrain from saying the word "indivisible" as I believe in the right of secession.

[sentinel]

Another thing to consider is that "Under God" is not the only potentially offensive provision in the Pledge. Personally, I refrain from saying the word "indivisible" as I believe in the right of secession.

Who the heck cares about the words in it, students should not be required to say anything. Forced patriotism isn't patriotism, its just a show.

[SWE]

The debating period is now over. Representatives will now vote on this bill as written:

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Voting will last for 48 hours or until all Representatives have voted.

[SWE]

Aye

[#CriminalizeSobriety]

Aye

[rpryor03]

Aye

[Sopranos Republican]

AYE

[free my dawg]

Aye.

[SWE]

The voting period is now over. By a vote of 5-0-0, this bill goes to the governor for his signature or veto.

[SWE]

The governor has signed this bill into law.