The Kentucky House passed a joint resolution this week that would clear the way for a granite monument of the Ten Commandments — gifted to the state in 1971 and originally placed near the floral clock — to sit on Capitol Grounds in what's known as Monument Park.
A proposed amendment that would do the same for any monuments tied to other faiths was voted down.
Meanwhile, in committee, legislation that would permit individuals who believe their religious exercise has been "substantially burdened" could take the government to court. Proponents argue the bill is necessary to bolster state religious freedom laws, but Sam Marcosson with the University of Louisville School of Law said Kentucky's laws are sufficient and Senate Bill 60 goes too far.
"The question is: Do we want religious freedom protections to be so absolute that they overcome any other considerations in policy that are important to the voters of the Commonwealth?" he told the panel considering the measure.
At the same time, a joint resolution directing public colleges and universities to adopt policies combating antisemitism and to collect and report data on alleged incidents of antisemitism advanced.
Rabbi Shlomo Litvin testified that schools aren't effectively monitoring the issue.
"The issue of antisemitism on campus is a national one, and Kentucky is no exception, with administrations far too often unwilling to address or even acknowledge the problem," he said.
Lexington Democratic Sen. Reggie Thomas defended the University of Kentucky's response to outbreaks of protests following the October in Israel, saying the school has embraced efforts to be welcoming and inclusive to all.
In the same committee meeting, lawmakers also pushed forward a bill requiring a one to two minute moment of silence at the beginning of school days. It would not mandate prayer, but would permit for students to pray, meditate, or reflect. Opponents said current law allowing for, but not mandating the moment of silence is a better compromise.
The bill cleared the Senate committee unanimously.
