Students in Alabama, U.S., may soon be able to twist, stretch and do inverted poses to their hearts’ content – thanks to the approval of a Yoga Bill. 

By Rhea Lemos

On March 17, 2020 the majority in the Alabama House of Representatives voted in favor of the Yoga Bill, allowing yoga to be offered as an elective in K-12 schools. But there were some conditions attached: the yoga postures will need to have English descriptive names, and the classes will not use chanting, mantras or the Namaste greeting, a symbolic gesture of respect used in Hinduism. 

In 1993, yoga was banned as an elective course at Alabama public schools calling it a “religious training” based on “Hindu philosophy”. State Representative Jeremy Gray, a former professional football player who also taught yoga, found out about this ban and sponsored the Yoga Bill so students could continue to benefit from the practice. He told CNN that while visiting a high school in Auburn, a student enquired how Gray was able to balance work in business, non-profit and politics. When Gray expressed gratitude to his yoga practice, he learned how the subject was no longer offered in Alabama State schools and took action to remove the ban. 

“Yoga also helps with stress, anxiety, depression, things of that nature,” Gray told media. 

Until recently, the Alabama State Board of Education has banned the use of techniques that induce hypnosis, guided images, meditation and yoga. 

The Yoga Bill was opposed by Joe Godfrey of the Alabama Citizens Action Program, a conservative group, who told NBC News that it was “an issue of separation of Church and State.” 

Since the bill has been passed by the House, it has now been moved to the Senate to be approved and signed by Governor Kay Ivey. If successful, this would make the Yoga Bill a law and end a 27-year-old ban in Alabama schools. 

Sources: CNN, NBC News, Montgomery Advertiser