NASHVILLE –The Senate Judiciary Committee voted today to advance SB 1108, a bill that would make the Bible the official state book of Tennessee.
The measure’s companion bill, HB 615, passed the House last spring.
The following can be attributed to Hedy Weinberg, executive director of the ACLU of Tennessee:
“We are disappointed that Tennessee lawmakers have voted to use their official positions to promote their personal religious beliefs. The rich religious diversity in our state is best respected by ensuring that government does not promote specific religious books. Selecting the Bible as the state book amounts to government promotion of one religion over other religions, which clearly violates both the U.S. and Tennessee Constitutions. America is a place where people are free to practice religion, or not, without government officials deciding which beliefs should be endorsed. We will continue to fight this unconstitutional legislation.”
Stay Informed
Every month, you'll receive regular roundups of the most important civil rights and civil liberties developments. Remember: a well-informed citizenry is the best defense against tyranny.
By completing this form, I agree to receive occasional emails per the terms of the ACLU’s privacy policy.
The Latest in Religious Liberty
-
Federal Court Orders Saucon Valley School District to Allow After School Satan Club to Meet in District Facilities
-
ACLU Sues Saucon Valley School District for Prohibiting After School Satan Club from Meeting in District Facilities
-
The Satanic Temple v. Saucon Valley School District
-
Saucon Valley School District Must Allow After School Satan Club to Meet at District Facilities, ACLU Warns
ACLU's Vision
The American Civil Liberties Union is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America.
Learn More About Religious Liberty
The ACLU strives to safeguard the First Amendment’s guarantee of religious liberty by ensuring that laws and governmental practices neither promote religion nor interfere with its free exercise.