NY Senate Supports Churches' Use of Schools

February 9, 2012

The New York Senate passed a bill this week to reverse the New York City school district's ban on church services in rented public school space, CBN News reports. The bill must go on to pass the New York House and be signed by the governor to stop the city from evicting churches from schools in just three days. "This is about equal access," said Sen. Martin J. Golden (R-Brooklyn), the bill's sponsor. Opponents to the bill said it could open up the doors for "anybody" to hold meetings in schools, but supporters said churches posed no threat to the community. "The fact of the matter is these are real lives that these institutions are helping and saving," said Sen. Malcolm A. Smith (D-Queens). This Sunday, Feb. 12, is the last day some 60 congregations can worship in the city's public schools.