Texas town rallies around cheerleaders use of Bible banners

Monday October 8, 2012 5:30 PM

KOUNTZE, Texas (AP) — Cheerleaders at Kountze (KOONTZ) High School in Southeast Texas say they have both a constitutional right and a religious duty to share their Christian faith.

After a complaint by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, school officials banned Bible verses on the banners that cheerleaders made for football players to burst through before games.

The students sued, calling the ban a violation of their free speech and religious rights. Cheerleader Ashton Lawrence says, "Sometimes a consequence of freedom of religion is you have to hear things you don't necessarily agree with. That doesn't mean it's wrong."

A judge has blocked school officials from enforcing the ban until he issues a ruling. A hearing is scheduled next week.

Sound: Upcoming

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