And taxpayers are paying for this?
"Tennessee House votes to make Bible official state book" Associated Press April 16, 2015
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee House ignored serious constitutional concerns — and the wishes of Republican leaders in the State House — in voting to make the Bible the official state book.
The chamber approved the measure 55-38 on Wednesday. It is sponsored by Republican Representative Jerry Sexton, a former pastor, who argued that his proposal reflects the Bible’s historical, cultural, and economic effect in Tennessee.
Tennessee’s attorney general, Herbert Slatery, warned in a legal opinion earlier this week that the bill would violate separation of church and state provisions of both the federal and state constitutions.
Constitutional concerns raised over similar proposals in Mississippi and Louisiana caused lawmakers there to drop those measures in recent years. While Tennessee supporters acknowledged the likelihood of a lawsuit if the bill becomes law, several said it would be worth the expense.
‘‘There are some things that are worth standing up for,’’ said Representative Andy Holt, a Republican. ‘‘Markets, money, and military are meaningless without morals.’’
Just wonder what would Jesus say.
Btw, I can't imagine three things more immoral on this planet than markets, money, and the military. Whole country is run by cranks no matter where you live.
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Several lawmakers raised concerns about putting the Bible on par with innocuous state symbols such as the official salamander, tree and beverage.
‘‘ ‘Pilgrim’s Progress’ is a book, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ is a book,’’ said Representative Patsy Hazlewood, a Republican from Signal Mountain. ‘‘The Bible is the word of God; it’s a whole different level.’’
Who wrote it?
Supporters were dismissive of concerns raised during the floor debate.
‘‘It’s not just a book,’’ Sexton said. ‘‘I base my life, my ministry, and my family on this book.’’
God help us all.
Representative Micah Van Huss said if the Bible becomes the state book, people will not be required to worship or follow Christianity.
‘‘The dog and the cat are state symbols and nobody in Tennessee is required to purchase a dog or a cat,’’ the Republican said.
Sexton said nothing prevents other works to be named official state books alongside the Bible. Tennessee, after all, has several state songs, he said.
The measure would need to be approved by the Senate before heading to the desk of Governor Bill Haslam, a Republican who opposes it. The governor would not say whether he would veto the measure.
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Imagine the reaction, if you will for just one moment, were it proposed that the Koran be adopted as the official state book. I'm sure the debate would be quite different.
NDU:
"A plan to make the Bible the official state book in Tennessee derailed Thursday when the Republican-controlled Senate sent the measure back to a committee, effectively killing it this year. The bill has divided Republicans in the conservative state. Some say the Bible is too sacred for such a designation; others say it’s an integral part of the state’s history. Senate majority leader Mark Norris said Thursday the constitutional concerns were the main reason for sending the bill back to the Senate Judiciary Committee, which could take up the bill next year."
Damn bastards!
