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Ariz. state senator advocates for mandatory church attendance

Posted at 4:22 PM, Mar 27, 2015
and last updated 2015-03-27 16:30:49-04

PHOENIX, Ariz. — Each year a few bills get proposed at the state Capitol that have people shaking their heads. This year: Mandatory church attendance.

An Arizona state senator thinks it is a good idea for the American people.

KPHO reportsthat State Sen. Sylvia Allen, R-Snowflake, brought it up during a committee meeting Tuesday while lawmaker were debating a gun bill, not religion.

Allen explained that without a “moral rebirth” in the country, more people may feel the need to carry a weapon.

“I believe what’s happening to our country is that there’s a moral erosion of the soul of America,” she said.

Democratic Sen. Steve Farley of Tucson, who was at that same meeting, posted Allen’s comments on social media, and said he believes the idea goes against the U.S. Constitution.

“Even if you believe that would stem the moral decay, I think the Constitution makes it very clear that our country is founded on the pillar of separation of church and state,” Farley said.