Concerns Over Alabama Religious Freedom Bill

State Senator Jamie Keele (R-Russellville) expressed disappointment regarding Congress’s recent inability to pass a religious freedom bill applicable to Alabama public schools.

The legislation, initially introduced by State Representative Susan Dubose (R-Hoover), did not progress through the state government committee, leading to Keele’s frustrations, as he had voted in favor of it.

This issue was a topic during recent discussions on WVNN’s “Yafie Program.”

“First off, it seems rather selective,” Keele remarked. “If someone requires to stay after hours to film a core course or an elective, they can do that. I don’t entirely grasp the debate around what kids are being taught.”

The bill garnered notable support from Lt. Col. Will Ainsworth, who criticized lobbyists from organizations like the Alabama School Principals and the Alabama Association of Associations.

Ainsworth stated, “It’s embarrassing for legislators who let paid lobbyists sway the committee’s decision on such straightforward, sensible matters.”

Keele agrees with Ainsworth’s viewpoint. “I completely back the lieutenant governor,” Keele noted. “In Franklin County, kids often leave school to attend vocational classes and miss some lessons for that reason, yet they still have electives and understand what they’re doing.”

He also mentioned that many schools might not be eager to implement such mandates. “Honestly, I don’t think they wish to dictate anything,” he said. “They have the chance to proceed now. We might already have state laws and policies in place that could integrate these curricula during school hours, but many may decide against it.”

Keele feels that this situation has squandered an opportunity for parents and students to have more choices. “We’ve got excellent schools, yet we can’t teach religious courses in public schools like private institutions do,” he clarified. “This could provide public schools with a chance to compete with private ones in new ways. If we indeed aim for a capitalist and competitive education system, then why not allow public schools to offer these religious classes on campus?”

“Why not give them the option to do that?”