INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The leader of the Indiana House Education Committee says a proposal specifically allowing public schools to teach creationism in science classes could be unworkable.
The bill approved by the state Senate would permit creationism as long as it included origin of life theories from multiple religions including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Scientology.
Education Chairman Robert Behning says he believes it would be almost impossible to find teachers who would know about origin beliefs from so many religions.
The Indianapolis Republican says he isn't sure whether his committee will take up the bill.
Critics argue that the proposal is unconstitutional since federal courts repeatedly have found teaching creationism violates church-state separation. Senate supporters say the broader religious reference improves the bill's chances of being ruled constitutional.
The bill approved by the state Senate would permit creationism as long as it included origin of life theories from multiple religions including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Scientology.
The Indianapolis Republican says he isn't sure whether his committee will take up the bill.
Critics argue that the proposal is unconstitutional since federal courts repeatedly have found teaching creationism violates church-state separation. Senate supporters say the broader religious reference improves the bill's chances of being ruled constitutional.
