Golden: State Senate Passes Legislation Allowing Use of Schools for Worship

Albany, NY – State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn) is announcing that legislation he sponsored, S. 6087A, which allows religious institutions to use public school buildings for worship services during non-school hours, has passed the New York State Senate.

Senator Golden stated, “The New York State Senate has today approved an important piece of legislation on behalf of thousands of people of faith who call New York City home. My colleagues and I who supported this bill have taken a stand to protect the First Amendment rights of those who wish to embrace one of our Nation’s founding principles, that of the freedom of religion.”

Golden continued, “A ban against this practice is set to go into effect next week, and therefore, I urge my colleagues in the Assembly make passage of this legislation a priority. Organizations based on faith deserve the same rights as all other groups, and because of their beliefs, should not be held to a different standard. These misguided policies cannot go into effect, as ultimately, it will do nothing more than detract and prevent the right to worship.”

S6087A was introduced in response to the New York City Department of Education banning religious groups for holding worship services inside school buildings. The ban is scheduled to go into effect on Sunday, February 12th, 2012.

The bill has been sent to the Assembly.