Missouri House passes bill allowing Bible courses to be taught in public schools
The Missouri House passed a bill Monday that would give public schools in the state the ability to teach courses on the Bible.
The Republican-led House passed the measure in a 95-52 vote, according to The Associated Press.
The bill, introduced by state Rep. Ben Baker (R), now goes to the state Senate for consideration before it can become law.
Classes teaching the Bible would be offered in the state as electives, not requirements, according to the bill.
Baker said this bill is meant to clarify existing law that has been variously interpreted across the state.
The bill would require Missouri education officials to develop clear guidelines and standards for offering courses on the Old Testament and New Testament.
“The Bible is simply a part of the fabric of life,” Baker said last month when the bill passed its first legislative hurdle.
Similar measures have been introduced in Florida, Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia and Virginia.
0
