Separation of Church and State? What Separation of Church and State?
Today the Tennessee Senate is scheduled to vote on making the Christian Holy Bible the official state book. Lawmakers tried last year to pass a similar bill, but it was sent back to committee after the state attorney general voiced misgivings.
In a 7-1 vote the Senate Judiciary Committee approved the bill. The House has already approved the bill (video above.)
The vote is scheduled today for 4:00 PM EDT, according to WKRN and the official Senate calendar. Viewers may be able to watch the proceedings from the Senate’s video page. HB0615/SB1108 is the final scheduled vote of the day. The legislation is sponsored by former pastor and Representative Jerry Sexton, and Senator Steve Southerland.
Sen. 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 reports.
The bill’s text is short and simple.
“The Holy Bible is hereby designated as the official state book,” it reads. “This act shall take effect upon becoming a law, the public welfare requiring.”
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Image via Wikimedia
Hat tip: Joe.My.God.
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