Lawmakers Push For Legislation Allowing Churches To Use Public School Facilities
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State lawmakers are trying to reverse a city policy that bans churches from using schools for worship services.
State Senator Marty Goldman is sponsoring legislation that would allow religious groups to meet in public schools when school is not in session.
It already passed unanimously in the Senate Education Committee, but still needs to pass in both the State Senate and Assembly.
Golden says the bill will give religious institutions the right to worship without interfering with the separation of church and state.
Elected and religious leaders are protesting the ban, which the Department of Education will begin enforcing on February 12.
More than 60 churches have until then to find a new home.
The Supreme Court ruled against hearing a case that would allow the churches to use school spaces.
City officials have said they do not want it to appear that schools are endorsing a particular faith.