BOISE, Idaho (AP) – The Idaho Senate has approved legislation to “expressly permit” using the Bible for academic study in public schools, even though state law already permits using the Bible for academic purposes.
The legislation says the Bible can be used for reference purposes in subjects like literature, history, music and world geography in public schools, but excludes scientific subjects that were included in an earlier version of the bill.
It also replaces a previous statute that required Bible passages to be selected by the Idaho Board of Education and to be read in each classroom daily.
The measure passed 31-3 and now heads to the Idaho House. The three opposing votes were cast by Senate Democrats who argued the measure would increase division between religious groups.
