IN governor signs bill to protect student 'release time' for religious instruction

The following quote may be attributed to Alliance Defending Freedom Legal Counsel Greg Chafuen regarding Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb’s signing Wednesday of HB 1137, a bill that strengthens an existing law that protects the right of parents to have their child briefly excused from school to receive religious instruction if they so choose:

“Parents have the right and responsibility to guide the upbringing and education of their children. And many parents consider religious instruction an important part of their child’s education. While public schools can teach about the Bible from a neutral, secular perspective, released time programs offer courses in religious instruction taught by third-party charitable organizations off school grounds during school hours. These programs accommodate parents’ desire for their children to receive religious instruction that cannot be offered by public schools. The legislation Gov. Holcomb has signed strengthens existing law through a meaningful modification that ensures public schools will respect parents’ opportunity to have their children participate in ‘release time’ programs. Every Hoosier should know that the law respects their right to seek religious education for their children through released time programs. We commend the Indiana Legislature and the governor for making sure parents are in the driver’s seat to direct the upbringing and education of their kids.”

• Pronunciation guide: Chafuen (CHAFF’-wen)

Alliance Defending Freedom is an alliance-building, non-profit legal organization committed to protecting religious freedom, free speech, parental rights, and the sanctity of life.

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