By ALLEN FARLEY / Guest Columnist

Debates conducted between the two podiums on the floor of the Alabama House of Representatives can often be very entertaining. It will sometimes remind you of a three-ring circus. So, during this year’s legislative session, I will try my best to be a good state representative and an accurate reporter of the events taking place in front of me.
On Wednesday, (03/11/2015), Rep. Butler introduced HB-1, The Alabama Student Religious Liberties Act of 2015.
“This Bill would prohibit school districts from discriminating against a student or parent on the basis of a religious viewpoint or religious expression in public schools.” (HB-1 would allow our children to openly pray in school).
(After a lengthy debate, HB-1 was passed out of the House of Representatives by a vote of 80 yeas, 11 nays, 6 abstentions}.
On Thursday, (03/12/2015), Rep. Jim Hill introduced HB-56, The Freedom of Religion in Marriage Protection Act.
“This Bill is designed to protect judges and ministers from being compelled to officiate marriage ceremonies that violate their religious beliefs.”
During a four-hour filibuster by House Democrats, Rep. Alvin Holmes made it perfectly clear that there is confusion over whether Alabama judges and ministers can be forced to conduct a marriage. He instructed Rep. Jim Hill, (a retired judge with 19 years on the bench), that he would have to marry anyone who came to him to be married. And before Rep. Holmes walked from the podium he asked Rep Hill: “Would you be opposed to 2 mules getting married?”
(HB-56 was passed out of the House by a vote of 69 yeas, 25 nays, 1 abstention).
Proverbs 24:16 for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity.
God Bless America!!!

Allen Farley represents portions of Jefferson and Shelby Counties in Alabama’s House District 15. Representative Farley can be contacted at allenfarley@bellsouth.net, or 960-7526.