In filing Senate Bill 1609, to be known as the Protection of Students’ Religious Belief Act, Padilla envisions the remedial legislation will mandate all education institutions at all levels to respect the faith of each student. Know more:
SEN. Robin Padilla is prodding Congress to pass an enabling law penalizing discrimination in schools victimizing students of different religions.
In filing Senate Bill 1609, to be known as the Protection of Students’ Religious Belief Act, Padilla envisions the remedial legislation will mandate all education institutions at all levels to respect the faith of each student. Moreover, the new law will specifically prohibit schools from forcing students to enrol in religion classes and attend lessons and activities, wear dress contrary to their religion, except if a student is given written consent from the parents or legal guardian.
Teachers and employees of schools found in violation of the law may face six years’ prison time and a fine of up to P500,000. If the offender is a member of a corporation or organization, the violator faces penalty of up to 8-years’ imprisonment and fine of up to P2 million Padilla pointed out that the Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights mandate respect for people’s rights to choose their religion and always protect their religious freedom.