Missouri judge upholds prayer ballot summary

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A Missouri judge has upheld the ballot summary for a proposed constitutional amendment on public prayer.

The proposed amendment asserts the right in Missouri to pray in public places as long as doing so does not disturb the peace. It also says that students may express their religious beliefs and cannot be compelled to participate in assignments that violate those beliefs.

The ballot summary was challenged in a lawsuit claiming it failed to mention the potential for students to refuse homework or that prisoners could lose some religious protections.

Cole County Circuit Judge Pat Joyce rejected the argument this week, concluding the summary is fair.

Missouri legislators approved the measure last year and referred it to this November's ballot. Approval by a simple majority would add it to the Missouri Constitution.