Sectarian publications prohibited and prayer permitted
A publication of a sectarian or denominational character may not be distributed in any school. Instruction may not be given advocating sectarian or denominational doctrines. However, any teacher, principal, or superintendent may open the school day with a prayer. This section does not prohibit a school library from including the Bible or other religious material having cultural, historical, or educational significance.
(1) (a) A publication of a sectarian or denominational character may not be distributed in any school. Instruction may not be given advocating sectarian or denominational doctrines.
(b) This subsection (1) does not prohibit:
(i) a school library from including the Bible or other religious material having cultural, historical, or educational significance;
(ii) a pupil from reading from the Bible or other religious material during free reading time; or
(iii) a student from initiating or participating in a conversation about religion, religious beliefs, or religious practices. with another student or a teacher.
(c) If a school, class, or course has requirements for self-selected reading, a pupil must be allowed to read from the Bible or other religious material to meet those requirements.
(2) Prayer is permitted in a school, on school grounds, and at school-sponsored events, but a person may not be compelled to pray. The school day may begin with a prayer.
Sectarian publications prohibited and – religious materials allowed – prayer permitted
A publication of a sectarian or denominational character may not be distributed in any school. Instruction may not be given advocating sectarian or denominational doctrines. However, any teacher, principal, or superintendent may open the school day with a prayer. This section does not prohibit a school library from including the Bible or other religious material having cultural, historical, or educational significance.
| EnactedEn. 75-7521 by SectionSec. 392, ChapterCh. 5, Laws ofL. 1971 |
| Revised Codes of MontanaR.C.M. 1947, 75-7521 |
| AmendedAmd. SectionSec. 1, ChapterCh. 367, Laws ofL. 1989 |