FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 17, 2026
Contact:
Fish Stark, fstark@cfequality.org
CFE Applauds Introduction of Bill to Build a State-Level Wall Against Christian Nationalism in Pennsylvania Public Schools
PLURAL Act gives Pennsylvania families a legal remedy through the state's existing civil rights system
WASHINGTON – State Rep. Chris Rabb (HD-200) introduced the Pennsylvania PLURAL Act (HB2776) on Wednesday, a bill to protect the religious freedom of Pennsylvania students. The bill, which would keep public schools neutral on religion while protecting the personal religious rights of every student and teacher, would codify rights Pennsylvanians have long taken for granted.
"Across the country, there is a coordinated push to turn public classrooms into instruments of state religion, from mandatory scripture to school chaplains," said Rep. Chris Rabb. "With the PLURAL Act, Pennsylvania is drawing a line in the sand. We are ensuring our public schools remain neutral ground where every student, of every faith and none, is protected."
Co-sponsor Rep. Tarah Probst (HD-189) strongly supports the PLURAL Act “because our public schools should be welcoming and inclusive spaces for every student and family. When taxpayer dollars fund our schools, those dollars come from Pennsylvanians of many faiths, cultures, traditions and beliefs – as well as those who practice no religion,” Probst shared. “Our public institutions should remain religiously neutral, ensuring that no student’s tax dollars are used to promote or impose a particular religious belief. This principle is rooted in Pennsylvania’s constitution, which, through Article I, Section 3, protects freedom of conscience and prohibits government from compelling religious support or giving preference to any religious establishment.”
The bill was drafted and championed in consultation with a diverse group of stakeholders committed to protecting religious freedom in the classroom. Lead sponsors Rep. Rabb and Rep. Probst are joined by five of their colleagues.
"Christian Nationalism doesn't need a majority to push religion on students without their consent. It just needs confusion and bad actors, and that’s where the courts have left us," said Fish Stark, Executive Director of the Center for Freethought Equality. "This bill draws the line and ensures parents, students, teachers, and administrators know their rights and responsibilities in the classroom, and we applaud Pennsylvania lawmakers for taking this step."
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The Center for Freethought Equality (CFE) is the political and lobbying arm of the American Humanist Association. CFE is dedicated to building political power for humanists and atheists in the United States. Alongside its advocacy and organizing efforts, CFE has an affiliated political action committee whose mission is to achieve equality for our community by increasing the number of open humanists and atheists, and allies, in public office at all levels of government.