Rep. Ernest Istook, Republican from Oklahoma, introduced House Joint Resolution 46 proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States on Apr. 9, 2003 to restore religious freedom. It was submitted to the Committee on the Judiciary. On May 5, 2003 it was referred to the House Subcommittee on the Constitution. It did not become law.
House Joint Resolution 40 resolved, "by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled (two-thirds of each House concurring therein), That the following article is proposed as an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which shall be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the Constitution when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States within seven years after the date of its submission for ratification, and is intended to include protection of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, the display of the Ten Commandments, and voluntary school prayer:
Article --
To secure the people's right to acknowledge God according to the dictates of conscience:
The people retain the right to pray and to recognize their religious beliefs, heritage, and traditions on public property, including schools.
The United States and the States shall not establish any official religion nor require any person to join in prayer or religious activity."
