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Despite questions of constitutionality, lawmakers beat back an attempt to make Andrew Jackson's Bible the official book and voted 55-38 in favor of Rep. Jerry Sexton's original bill.
"History's going to tell us where we stand on this. I'm grateful to have the opportunity to have the side that I'm on," said Sexton, R-Bean Station, after the vote.
"It may be kind to me in the future and it may not be kind, and that's OK. I made a decision for today and I feel good about it."
Although a GOP-led effort, House Speaker Beth Harwell, R-Nashville, was one of 20 Republicans to vote against the measure. House Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh, D-Ripley, and four Republicans abstained. Only six Democrats voted in favor of the bill.
Rep. John Ragan, R-Oak Ridge, suggested making Jackson's Bible the official state book. He thought the move would have shifted the bill into safer legal waters, noting Attorney General Herbert Slatery's opinion that making the Bible the official state book would violate the state and federal constitutions.
Show me in the Constitution where it says anything at all about separation between church and state.
In order to remain in compliance with the Terms of Service, I will refrain from expressing my opinion of your comments against people of faith. But if you believe that the Founding Fathers were "anti-religion people," I would recommend further study into the origins of our country.
He expressed his opinion why cant you express yours?
Below is a good definition of the Establishment Clause taken also from the Cornell website.
"The First Amendment's Establishment Clause prohibits the government from making any law “respecting an establishment of religion.” This clause not only forbids the government from establishing an official religion, but also prohibits government actions that unduly favor one religion over another. It also prohibits the government from unduly preferring religion over non-religion, or non-religion over religion."
In my opinion, by Tennessee choosing the bible as the state book, they have chosen the Christian faith as the favorable religion which is indeed against the constitution.
"The Establishment Clause is a limitation placed upon the United States Congress preventing it from passing legislation respecting an establishment of religion. The second half of the Establishment Clause inherently prohibits the government from passing legislation that prohibits the free exercise of religion."
I dont see how TN making the Bible the state book has anything to do with either of those. Regardless, just because the Bible is the state book doesnt mean youre going to be forced to become a Christian.
This move ensures the Legislators another vote by the Christian low-information voters. Thanks to Fox News, we all know, there is a war on Christmas (and Christians) in America and around the world.
Quote:
Originally Posted by OscarTheGrouch
What on earth is the point of this sort of silliness?
The only outcome I can see is that it will make folks who are not Christians feel that the state favors Christians over them. What sort of good does this serve?
What on earth is the point of this sort of silliness?
The only outcome I can see is that it will make folks who are not Christians feel that the state favors Christians over them. What sort of good does this serve?
Exactly. The passage of this "law" is so childish. It reminds me of the cliques kids form in school. The kids have the attitude that "you're nobody if you're not part of our group." What a waste of time. The ACLU should pass on any lawsuits relating to this also.
Not sure why Tennessee feels the need to have an Official State Book,
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2mares
No kidding. Is this just TN or do other states?
It does not appear that "State Books" are very common, but, apparently, State Tartans are. Who would have thought over 20 states would have taken the time to vote on a state tartan???
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