The governor of Florida just signed a bill to protect religious expression such as prayer in public school settings and at school-sponsored events.

Gov. Rick Scott, a Republican, signed the “Florida Student and School Personnel Religious Liberties Act” on June 9. It allows for students to pray and partake in “religious activities” before, during and after school.

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“A student may express his or her religious beliefs in coursework, artwork, and other written and oral assignments, free from discrimination,” the Florida law also articulates. “A student’s homework and classroom assignments shall be evaluated, regardless of their religious content, based on expected academic standards relating to the course curriculum and requirements.”

The new law ensures that public school administrators cannot punish students, parents, or public school employees for praying or wearing cross necklaces, among many other religious expressions on school grounds.

“A student may wear clothing, accessories and jewelry that display a religious message or symbol in the same manner and to the same extent [as] secular types of clothing,” the law says.

Students can organize prayer groups and religious clubs, and school personnel can participate “in voluntary, student-initiated religious activities,” the law also notes.

Related: When Graduation Ceremonies at Public Schools Are Stripped of Faith

“Freedom of religion is a central right protected by our Constitution,” Florida Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart) said in a statement. “The government should not impose a religion, but all too often we see the other extreme where we are taking away people’s right to free speech and their right to practice their faith in a way they believe is appropriate.”

“Students of any faith, or no faith, have a right to free speech,” Negron added.

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Sen. Dennis Baxley (R-Lady Lake) sponsored the religious-freedom legislation.

Related: Trump Visits Catholic School, Praises Florida Private Education

“For many Floridians, instilling faith in their religious convictions is a central component of child rearing and family life,” Baxley stated. “Students should not be prevented from discussing these convictions with their peers, or incorporating religious beliefs in their attire, assignments, and extracurricular activities.”

He added, “Students need the advent of this expression in our society … people of faith feel there has been a chilling effect.”

The legislation cleared the state legislature on June 5. The law takes effect July 1.