AUSTIN – Students would be able to meet in prayer groups during school hours and otherwise express their religious beliefs in school, as long as they don't discriminate against the religious beliefs or sexual orientation of other students, under legislation overwhelmingly endorsed Monday by the House.

Inspired by lawsuits against school districts that have curtailed activities such as prayer at football games and talking about Jesus in class, the legislation seeks to clarify existing law by requiring districts to adopt a policy governing religious expression.

Opponents say it creates more questions than it answers and would open the door to school-sanctioned evangelizing in a setting where young people are a captive audience.

The bill, backed by Gov. Rick Perry, was adopted 110-33.

The anti-discrimination clause could undercut the intent of the bill, supporters say, because it could hinder the practice of any religion. But the full House added it by a slim margin last week during the first day of debate.

That night, House members got so emotional and the arguments so heated that the bill's author, Rep. Charlie Howard, R-Sugar Land, delayed the rest of the debate for several days.

The bill is expected to win final passage Tuesday and be sent to the Senate.