A nationwide group representing atheists, agnostics, and humanists says Missouri’s Public Prayer Amendment could institute a slew of religious privileges. The Coalition says the “vague wording” of the amendment could allow everything from sectarian prayer at school board and legislative meetings to exemptions from school assignments for religious students.

It calls provisions in the amendment “blatant overreaches” that could harm Missouri’s public education system by expanding the role of religion on the public sphere and jeopardizing First Amendment protections.  Amendment 2 passed with 83 percent support statewide and 88 percent support in Buchanan County.