NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A deeply-divided House could not conclude its debate over a bill seeking to make the Bible the official book of Tennessee, meaning a vote on the measure moves to Wednesday.
The sometimes raucous debate Tuesday followed a legal opinion issued by state Attorney General Herbert Slatery that said the bill would violate separation of church and state provisions in both the state and federal constitutions.
The bill is sponsored by freshman Republican Rep. Jerry Sexton of Bean Station. He argued the measure reflects the historical, cultural and economic impact of the Bible in Tennessee.
Several opponents of the measure said they were uncomfortable with placing the Bible alongside other state symbols, including the state amphibian, tree and beverage. Gov. Bill Haslam is among several Republican leaders speaking out against the bill.
ERIK SCHELZIG, Associated Press
