TITLE: Commending the cheerleaders of Kountze High School for standing up for their right to express their religious beliefs.

SUMMARY: Commending the cheerleaders of Kountze High School for standing up for their right to express their religious beliefs.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Cheerleaders from Kountze High School took a stand for their freedom of religious expression when they fought for the right to display banners bearing spiritual messages at football games; and WHEREAS, In September 2012, the squad began to include Bible verses and other religious sayings on the hand-lettered signs that members of the Kountze Lions football team burst through as they make their entrance onto the field; the students' actions caught the attention of the school district, which, out of concern that the banners would be interpreted as school-sanctioned, ordered them to desist; and WHEREAS, Unwilling to back down, the students made contact with an attorney in Beaumont and filed a lawsuit against the district; they were soon joined by members of the Liberty Institute, a nonprofit organization that provides pro bono legal assistance to clients who believe that their religious liberties have been violated; and WHEREAS, Additional support came from across the community and beyond, as the cheerleaders' plight drew national attention and ignited a debate on the constitutionality of the district's decision; Kountze citizens appeared at games with their own signs hailing the efforts of the cheerleaders, and both Governor Rick Perry and Attorney General Greg Abbott publicly spoke in their behalf; and WHEREAS, In mid-October, the Kountze High School cheerleaders achieved a significant victory when a Hardin County district court judge issued an injunction to allow the squad to display the banners pending the outcome of a trial in June 2013; and WHEREAS, By defending this small yet meaningful act, the young women on the Kountze High School cheerleading squad have delivered a message that has resonated loudly across the country, and their perseverance has earned them the admiration of many people; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby commend the cheerleading squad at Kountze High School for their courage and tenacity in standing up for their right to express their religious beliefs; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the Kountze High School cheerleaders as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. White Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1141 was adopted by the House on April 10, 2013, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House