By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
House Bill 213, which is designed to protect parental rights, will receive a hearing in the Alabama House of Representatives on Wednesday in the House Judiciary Committee, at 1:30 pm, at the Alabama State House. The bill is sponsored by state Representative Mack Butler (R-Rainbow City) who is a former member of the Etowah County School Board.
The bill reads, “This bill would provide that the liberty of a parent to direct the upbringing, education, and care of a child is a fundamental right. This bill would also prohibit the state or any agency or locality from infringing on this fundamental right without demonstrating that its governmental interest is of the highest order.”
Conservative talk internet radio host and former Republican candidate for Congress Al Mickle wrote on Facebook, “The Alabama School Boards wants to block this bill….as it diminishes their power over the children of our state. They want to be the power over our children, and eliminate the responsibility and responsibility of parents.”
Mickle urged, “If you can, please attend this hearing! Tell your friends to also attend. Bring your friends. Call your legislator. Do not allow our children to be sold ‘down the river’ by the school boards and administrators. It’s a darn shame that there even has to be a bill, acknowledging parental freedom. It’s a darn shame that We, The People, have allowed government to slowly/continually erode our freedom, to force themselves into the role of thinker, provider, etc.”
Rep. Mack Butler is also the sponsor of HB 1, the Alabama Student Religious Liberties Act of 2015 which prohibits local boards of education from discriminating against a student or parent on the basis of a religious viewpoint or religious expression in public schools. HB 1 requires local boards of education to allow religious expression in class assignments, coursework, and artwork and requires that local boards of education provide students with the freedom to organize religious groups and activities and to adopt and implement a policy regarding voluntary student expression of religious viewpoints.
HB 1 has passed the House and is now awaiting action in the Alabama Senate. HB 213 is awaiting action in the House.
