NewsNational

Actions

Florida lawmaker files bill to make Bible study an elective in public schools

Posted at 1:26 PM, Jan 11, 2019
and last updated 2019-01-11 14:26:47-05

JACKSONVILLE, Florida — A Florida lawmaker wants students to study the Bible in public schools.

State Rep. Kimberly Daniels, a Democrat from District 14 which represents Jacksonville, filed House Bill 195 earlier this week.

The bill, Study of the Bible and Religion, would require school districts to offer religion classes to high school students as an elective.

READ THE BILL HERE

The bill would allow:

  • An objective study of religion.
  • An objective study of the Bible, including, but not limited to, a course on the Hebrew Scriptures and Old Testament of the Bible.
  • A course on the New Testament of the Bible.
  • A course on the Hebrew Scriptures, the Old Testament of the Bible, and the New Testament of the Bible.

According to the bill, the courses would be offered to students in grades 9 through 12, and would also include a brief meditation period during classes.
If passed, it would go into effect on July 1.