Vacationland Times

State Representative Gary Click's legislation on religious release time instruction has been signed into law by Governor DeWine. The new law mandates that each school district in Ohio must have an approved policy for religious release time instruction, reinforcing parents' rights to guide their children's education.

The legislation, initially introduced as HB 445, was incorporated into HB 8 and passed at the end of December. It aims to standardize policies across districts, many of which already allow such programs under Ohio law.

Representative Click emphasized the importance of parental control over educational decisions: “Parents, not politicians, should be making these decisions for their children. While many schools have been responsive to the requests of parents, some have not. Regardless of their intentions, their failure to implement these policies results in a denial of Ohioans’ parental rights and constitutional right to the free exercise of religion.”

Click further stated that it is inappropriate for there to be inconsistencies in religious freedom and parental rights across different districts. He advocates for restoring local control to parents, ensuring equal opportunities regardless of location: “Restoring local control to parents creates a level playing field and equal opportunity for all, regardless of a student’s zip code.”

The law will take effect on April 8, 2025.