It Took TN Lawmakers Less Than 30 Minutes To Pass A Bill To Make The Bible The Official State Book

Tennessee Legislature Sends Governor Bill

The Holy Christian Bible is about to join the Barrett M82 sniper rifle, the Eastern box turtle, the raccoon, the square dance, and milk on Tennessee’s list of officially recognized state symbols, if GOP Gov. Bill Haslam signs the bill into law. In an election year. In Tennessee.

Senators late Monday night passed the bill in less than 30 minutes, by a vote of 19-8. It passed the House last yer, despite warnings from the state attorney general that it violates separation of church and state.

The bill was sponsored by Sen. Steve Southerland, the Republican Caucus Chaplain. Southerland “said it is aimed at highlighting the historical significance of the Bible in Tennessee, not as an official endorsement of a religion,” the Chicago Tribune reported.

To alleviate concerns of his fellow lawmakers that the bill is unconstitutional, Southerland told them the Family Action Council of Tennessee (FACT) has promised to defend the state in court.

FACT says “healthy families and communities come about when basic values from the Bible are embraced and upheld.”

The only other state to have an official book is Massachusetts. In 2003 the state chose the 1941 children’s classic Make Way for Ducklings.

UPDATE:
Franklin Graham is thrilled.
“Just think of the incredible impact the Bible has had on this nation and on mankind. It’s not just a book—it’s the holy Word of God. It is true from cover to cover, and I believe it.” 

 

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