Blog from the Capital

A US District Judge has declined to halt Illinois' new law mandating a moment of silence in public schools, but notes concern about the bill's title and wording. The Chicago Tribune has more:

Judge Robert Gettleman ordered attorneys in the case to file briefs, but said he was satisfied after hearing from a school district lawyer that the Buffalo Grove moment of silence will be neutral and not a morning call to prayer.

Lawyers for atheist activist Rob Sherman indicated they could sue the Illinois State Board of Education as soon as today.
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Gettleman told the parties he has some serious questions about the statute.

"Let there be no mistake about that," he said, including its title and the way the law could be abused.

"I understand where the plaintiff is concerned," the judge said. But, he said, the district's promise for a neutral moment of silence reduced the need for an emergency order.

"I think that the balancing of harm does not favor the plaintiff at this moment," the judge said.