Texas town rallies around cheerleaders use of Bible banners

Students claim religious duty

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Image copyright 2012 Getty Images. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Posted: 10/09/2012
Last Updated: 253 days ago

KOUNTZE, Texas - Cheerleaders at Kountze High School in Southeast Texas say they have both a constitutional right and a religious duty to share their Christian faith.

   After a complaint by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, school officials banned Bible verses on the banners that cheerleaders make for football players to burst through before games.

   The students sued, calling the ban a violation of their free speech and religious rights.

"Sometimes a consequence of freedom of religion is you have to hear things you don't necessarily agree with. That doesn't mean it's wrong," said cheerleader Ashton Lawrence.

   A judge has blocked school officials from enforcing the ban until he issues a ruling. A hearing is scheduled next week.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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