Illinois House votes to repeal required moment of silence

SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois House wants to repeal a mandatory moment of silence in public schools.

The bill would let schools choose whether to observe a moment of silence. That was the status until last year, when legislators made it mandatory.

The mandate resulted in a federal lawsuit and a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction in November blocking its enforcement.

Supporters say the law forces educators to choose between ignoring the law or following it and risking litigation.

Opponents contend the goal is a brief period of reflection for students -- not mandatory prayer.

Tuesday's vote was 72-31. The measure now goes to the Senate.