Latest local news, weather and high school sports for Tri-State area

UPDATED:May 12 at 5:25 p.m.

The right to pray in public is going to Missouri voters next year.

State lawmakers have approved a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would expand your right to pray in public places.

The Missouri constitution already says people have the right to worship as they please.

Now when voters go to the polls in 2012, they'll be able to approve a measure allowing people of all faiths to publicly pray, as long as it doesn't disturb the peace.

It also allows students to opt out of assignments that violate their religious beliefs.

We talked with Dr. Jeff Brown, a professor of philosophy and theology at Hannibal-LaGrange University.

He says the legislation reiterates the right to pray for people concerned about not being politically correct or scared of potential legal consequences.

Dr. Brown said, "We're moving back to where the voice of the people matters and that includes our faith and it goes both ways. Whatever the religion might be, prayer is something that should be encouraged. So it's just a common sense approach to what the role of the government and the people should be."

--ORIGINAL STORY--

 Missouri lawmakers have approved a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would expand the right to pray in public places.

The Missouri Constitution already says people have the right to worship God according to their own consciences.

A measure that will appear on the 2012 ballot states that people can pray in public places, so long as they do not disturb the peace.

It also says students can express their religious beliefs and cannot be compelled to participate in assignments that violate their religious beliefs.

The amendment also creates a right to pray in the Legislature and other government bodies.

Supporters said the measure clarifies existing prayer rights for people concerned about potential legal consequences.

It passed the Senate 34-0 Tuesday and cleared the House 126-30 in March.

Do you agree?  Join in the conversation on our Facebook page here.