Statement by Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos

            Today’s decision by federal Judge Loretta Preska to grant a temporary injunction allowing religious institutions to hold their services in New York City schools this weekend is a positive development for those institutions and their many parishioners.  

            This decision is the right one, and it ensures that members of religious institutions aren’t subject to discrimination and otherwise prevented from utilizing public facilities which are open to others. 

              Recently, the State Senate approved legislation sponsored by Senator Golden, that would allow these institutions to worship on a permanent basis in public schools while classes are not being held.  I commend Senator Golden for his leadership and am confident the Speaker will take swift action on this issue, as he indicated he would.