Oklahoma judge issues stay in scholarship law case

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A state representative is praising a Tulsa County judge's decision to allow children with certain disabilities to attend private schools on state-funded scholarships.

State Rep. Jason Nelson wrote the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarship Act and on Wednesday said District Judge Rebecca Nightingale's order issuing a stay until an appeal of her ruling is considered is the right thing to do.

Nightingale ruled March 27 that the law violates a constitutional prohibition of public money being used for any sectarian institution. The law allows the money to be used by students to attend private schools, including those with religious affiliations.

The ruling stemmed from a counter-lawsuit filed by two Tulsa County public school districts against the parents of children who sought the vouchers.

The Oklahoma Supreme Court will consider the appeal.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.