Tennessee may soon make the Bible the state’s “official book.” The state Senate is expected to vote on the measure today, which passed the House earlier this week. And though Tennessee’s governor says he opposes the measure, he has not said whether or not he would veto it if it makes it to his desk. The measure has been controversial among lawmakers, many of whom see it as a violation of the separation of church and state.
Some of the critics also warned that naming the Bible as state symbol—like a bird or a tree—would trivialize the text. If it passes, the measure would also likely be the target of a lawsuit, though it’s supporters remain undeterred. Rep. Andy Holt told the AP, “There are some things that are worth standing up for. Markets, money and military are meaningless without morals. I think it’s time for our body to make a stand.” Critic Rep. Martin Daniel however, argued, “If we pass this, we’re going to be ridiculed” …
