NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A plan to make the Bible the official state book in Tennessee has been derailed and will almost certainly not be approved this year.
The Republican-controlled Senate voted Thursday to send the measure back to a committee that has been closed, effectively killing it.
The bill has divided Republicans in conservative Tennessee. Some say the Bible is far too sacred to be deemed an “official state book.” Conversely, others believe it’s an integral part of the state’s history. Constitutional questions have also been raised.
Despite those worries, the GOP-controlled House approved the bill on Wednesday.
Other opponents include Republican Gov. Bill Haslam and the Republican speakers of both chambers.
Similar proposals failed in Louisiana and Mississippi.
LUCAS L. JOHNSON II, Associated Press
