Virginia legislature passes bill protecting religious freedom of student organizations
February 25, 2013
By votes of 80-19 and 21-18, the Virginia house and senate have passed legislation that “permits, to the extent allowed by law, religious or political student organizations at public institutions of higher education to determine that only persons committed to the organization's mission may conduct certain activities.”
The legislation was prompted by decisions by college administrators in California and Tennessee that forced student religious groups not to “discriminate” against non-members in the selection of leaders.
The bill, which was opposed by gay activists, “also prohibits, to the extent allowed by law, public institutions of higher education from discriminating against a student organization that makes such a determination,” according to the bill’s official legislative summary.
The legislation awaits the governor’s signature.
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Further information:
- Virginia Legislature Protects Mission of College Religious Groups (Religion Clause)
- Bill letting college clubs bar those with differing views advances (Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star)
- HB 1617 (Virginia’s Legislative Information System)
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