In Tennessee, a plan to make the Bible the state's official book is off the table — at least for now.
The Republican-controlled House approved the bill 55-38 Wednesday, despite the fact that Tennessee's attorney general, Herbert Slatery, reminded everyone in a legal opinion that the bill would violate separation of church and state provisions in the federal and state constitutions, The Associated Press reports. On Thursday, the bill was sent back to the Senate Judiciary Committee, which could take it up against next year.
The bill divided Republicans, with some claiming that it is part of the fabric of Tennessee, and others saying the book is too holy to be compared to other state symbols, like the official fruit (tomato) and amphibian (cave salamander).
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Continue reading for free
We hope you're enjoying The Week's refreshingly open-minded journalism.
Subscribed to The Week? Register your account with the same email as your subscription.