Pennsylvania Senator Doug Mastriano (R-Franklin) on Thursday introduced new legislation with the goal of protecting the rights of parents throughout the state.
Senate Bill 996, known as the Parental Rights Protection Act, specifically describes and outlines certain parental rights as a “fundamental right” for residents of the state.
“The liberty of a parent to direct the upbringing, education, care and welfare of the parent’s child is a fundamental right,” the legislation explains. “Neither a Commonwealth agency nor a non-Commonwealth agency may infringe upon the right… without demonstrating that the law or ordinance is narrowly tailored to meet a compelling governmental interest by the least restrictive means.”
Therefore, the bill, if enacted, would prevent the state’s court system from labeling the parental roles as “ordinary rights.” This move would prevent government institutions from infringing on any of the rights listed in the text and become active 60 days after approval.
According to Mastriano, the coronavirus pandemic demonstrated the need for legislation.
“This statute is needed now more than ever after the constant eroding of parental rights over the past two years,” said Mastriano. “We saw instances where parents were labeled as domestic terrorists simply for advocating for what they felt was best for their child. We saw schools shuttered and parents left without in person learning alternatives. SB 996 will provide parents the legal protection they need when overreaching bureaucrats attempt to overrule their voice. When it comes to raising children, parents are better than the government.”
During the pandemic, schools forced students to learn from their computer screens, negatively impacting their social and academic skills.
Despite the numerous studies, many schools in the state returned to virtual learning for a second time.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Star News Network. Follow Cooper on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
