Prayer in public to be on August primary ballots

A proposed amendment to Missouri's Constitution asserting the right to pray in public will go before voters in August.

The measure guarantees the right to pray in public places as long as doing so does not disturb the peace. It also says that students may express their religious beliefs and cannot be compelled to participate in assignments that violate those beliefs.

Missouri lawmakers voted last year to put the amendment on a statewide ballot.

Governor Jay Nixon on Wednesday decided to put the question on the August primary ballot. It would otherwise have gone on the ballot for November's general election.

The governor's office says it chose the earlier option because the measure would take effect as soon as approved by voters.