Arizona state representatives are declaring frustration towards Arizona Democrats’ lack of support in requiring publicly funded schools to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Earlier this year, State Representative Barbara Parker (R-Mesa) introduced House Bill (HB) 2523, which attempted to require that the state’s public primary and secondary schools “set aside a specific time each day for students who wish to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag,” adding that “each student shall recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States at this time.” The bill allowed students to refuse only when they are over 18 or have parental permission to refuse to recite the pledge.
Despite Parker making it very clear that students could opt out of participating, all Democrats voted in opposition to the bill.
State Representative Nancy Gutierrez (D-Tucson) said that she voted no because she believes in “separation of Church and State” and took issue with the inclusion of the words “under God” in the pledge.
Any opposition to the law astounded State Representative Michele Pena (R-Yuma), who was raised in a religious environment where she was not permitted to say the pledge as a Jehovah’s Witness. According to Pena, growing up, she was always given exemptions, and since it was okay for her, why shouldn’t it be okay for others?
On Thursday, the Arizona House Majority spoke out on Twitter, questioning why Democrats are so against Arizona children saying the Pledge of Allegiance.
“Why don’t Arizona Democrats want our children saying the Pledge of Allegiance? When did we stop saying the Pledge of Allegiance in school? Also, there is no such thing as a “separation of church and state.” Show me anywhere in the Constitution or any law where this phrase exists. I’ll wait,” The Arizona House Majority said.
State Representative Justin Heap (R-Mesa) replied to them saying that the Democrats hate the pledge because it suggests that America is worth fighting for.
“Because saying the pledge might engender loyalty and patriotism. Further, it might suggest that America is worthy of praise and worth fighting for and Democrats hate all of those things,” Heap said.
State Representative Jaqueline Parker (R-Maricopa) also replied stating that Democrats hate America and the pledge.
“Clearly, Democrats hate our country and our flag and therefore the pledge. They can hardly teach children to hate America and each other after leading them in the pledge. Even the most impressionable of youth would eventually figure out such a contradiction and Democrats can’t have that,” Parker said.
Earlier this year, HB 2523 passed out of the Arizona House along party lines, with Republicans exclusively supporting the measure. The Arizona Senate Education Committee voted 4-3 along party lines similarly following the unanimous vote among Republicans in the Arizona House.
According to the Arizona House Majority, there “unfortunately” was not time this year to put the legislation before the full Senate.
Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs said that even if the legislation passed the Senate this year she would not sign it without bipartisan support.
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Hannah Poling is a lead reporter at The Ohio Star, The Star News Network, and The Arizona Sun Times. Follow Hannah on Twitter @HannahPoling1. Email tips to [email protected]
