Legislature Passes Bible in Schools Resolution
Air Date:01/30/2012
By Charles Michael Ray
The State Legislature has passed a resolution to encourage the academic study of the Bible in South Dakota Schools. The resolution is not binding law--rather sponsors say it reassures school districts that they can teach the Bible as history without violating the first amendment.
Those backing the resolution include Rapid City Republican Senator Bruce Rampelberg who argue that a class on the Bible should be an elective in public schools.
"This bill is hardly even a good start in taking back the heritage of our country. It encourages the academic study of a book of history. I think we should join the thousands of others throughout our country who believe in god and his Bible. Let's draw a line in the sand to stand in the gap for our beliefs. Please support this resolution," says Rampelberg.
But others like Minnehaha County Democrat Angie Buhl oppose the resolution.
"I think it sends the message that other religious texts are not as important as the Bible which I think is probably a dangerous path for us to start down," says Buhl.
The resolution passed the State Senate 25 to 10. It now has approval in both bodies and goes next to the governor's desk.
You can download an .mp3 of this story here.
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