GIRDLER APPLAUDS VOTE TO OVERRIDE SB 19 VETO AND SECURE DAILY MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR KENTUCKY STUDENTS
FRANKFORT, KY (March 27, 2025)— The following is a statement from Sen. Rick Girdler, R-Somerset, on the Senate override of the Governor's Veto of Senate Bill (SB) 19, relating to a moment of silence in Kentucky public schools and parental involvement in moral instruction:
“Governor Beshear’s objections to the moment of silence and the seating requirement are misguided. We trust Kentucky’s teachers to maintain their classrooms appropriately for students at all grade levels, and a seated moment of silence ensures that all students, regardless of their individual beliefs, can reflect or pray as they see fit, without the influence or judgment of others. Requiring students to stand or perform specific actions could create pressure for students to conform, especially those who do not wish to participate in prayer. A simple, silent moment allows students to engage in a way that is personal and private.
“As for the Governor’s concerns about ‘moral’ instruction, Kentuckians understand that these are values taught by parents and society, which provide students with the ethical foundation they need. Senate Bill 19 ensures that students don’t miss instruction while allowing for moral development that aligns with family and community values.”
For more information about SB 19 and the 2025 Kentucky General Assembly, visit www.legislature.ky.gov.
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Sen. Rick Girdler, R-Somerset, represents the 15th Senate District, including Clinton, Cumberland, Pulaski, Russell, and Wayne Counties. Girdler serves as vice chair of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee. He is also a member of the Senate Committees on Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor; Families and Children; and Natural Resources and Energy. Additionally, Girdler serves on the Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee.
Please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate115.jpg for a high-resolution .jpeg of Girdler.
