America is one of the most religiously diverse nations in the world. Our freedom to believe (or not believe) is protected by the Constitution. One of the ways we guard religious freedom is by making sure that public schools – which are part of and representatives of our government – neither advance or inhibit religion.
House Bill 130 – Education-elective academic Bible study is a bill that states that a Wyoming school district may offer an elective course on the Old Testament and the New Testament for students in 9th grade or above. This course would be an academic course that is supposed to teach knowledge of the Bible.
We believe that this bill is another example of the Wyoming legislators pushing for legislation that is a solution looking for a problem. HB130 is completely unnecessary, and is potentially unconstitutional under the Wyoming Constitution. We believe that religious education is best left to parents and their children, not public school officials.
HB130 brings up a whole host of questions and concerns, such as:
• Which translation of the Bible will be used?
• What academic qualifications must teachers obtain before they can become “accredited” instructors of the Bible under this proposal?
• How will school districts ensure teachers’ objectivity and unbiased instruction of the Bible?
• Will it open school districts up for lawsuits?
Unfortunately, HB130 passed out of the Senate Education Committee this morning and will go to the entire Wyoming Senate for debate. If you believe that religious education is best left to parents and houses of worship, not public schools, WE NEED YOUR HELP TO DEFEAT HB130!
Please contact your Senator to let them know you oppose HB130. You may also vocalize your opposition to HB130 at the online voter hotline or by calling the telephone hotline -- 1-866-996-8683 (or 307-777-8683 for local callers within the Cheyenne area). The telephone hotline is staffed only when the Legislature is in session, approximately 8:00-5:00 Monday-Friday.
Remember, individuals have the right to express religious beliefs; public schools do not.
