Florida high schools could be required to offer elective Bible course
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Legislation to require all Florida public high schools to offer elective courses on the study of the Bible has been approved by a state House committee.
The bill sponsored by Democratic Rep. Kimberly Daniels of Jacksonville cleared a House Education panel Thursday on an 11-3 vote. Daniels said the intent was not to teach a specific religion in school but rather to emphasize the Bible's role in history, culture and the founding of the U.S. government.
Opponents raised concerns that such Bible classes might be subject to lawsuits over the constitutional separation of church and state. Others said the course should also teach holy books from other religions, such as Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism.
Daniels said 10 other states currently offer similar Bible courses in public schools.
Copyright 2019 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.
Lake County 4-H ‘Goat Busters’ track down escaped goat in woods ▶ 0:46
Lake County 4-H ‘Goat Busters’ track down escaped goat in woods
Artifacts removed from Pulse site for preservation as building nears demolition date ▶ 0:58
Artifacts removed from Pulse site for preservation as building nears demolition date
‘Faith, hope, pixie dust:’ Central Floridians test luck in $1.6B Powerball race ▶ 1:14
‘Faith, hope, pixie dust:’ Central Floridians test luck in $1.6B Powerball race
Did Florida Congress members keep pay during government shutdown? ▶ 0:28
Did Florida Congress members keep pay during government shutdown?
Persistent internet sales pitches cause frustration among St. Cloud homeowners ▶ 0:49
Persistent internet sales pitches cause frustration among St. Cloud homeowners
Volusia sheriff confronts suspect accused of defrauding over 100 students of overseas trip ▶ 0:34
Volusia sheriff confronts suspect accused of defrauding over 100 students of overseas trip
✨What is the Merry Menagerie at Disney’s Animal Kingdom? ▶ 1:21
✨What is the Merry Menagerie at Disney’s Animal Kingdom?
Florida families allege Hurricane Roofer cashes checks but failed to deliver roof replacements ▶ 0:37
Florida families allege Hurricane Roofer cashes checks but failed to deliver roof replacements
Surfing Santa at Cocoa Beach ▶ 1:37
Surfing Santa at Cocoa Beach
Did Florida Congress members keep pay during government shutdown? ▶ 0:28
Did Florida Congress members keep pay during government shutdown?
Drone deliveries coming to Central Florida ▶ 0:27
Drone deliveries coming to Central Florida
Looking for festive fun this season? Here are 6 things to do this weekend! ▶ 0:48
Looking for festive fun this season? Here are 6 things to do this weekend!
Florida license plate frame law’s confusion forces state to clarify the rules ▶ 0:45
Florida license plate frame law’s confusion forces state to clarify the rules
Man accused of dumping missing Brevard County woman’s body after sex, fatal overdose in 2023 ▶ 0:55
Man accused of dumping missing Brevard County woman’s body after sex, fatal overdose in 2023
Ocoee woman accused of sending sexual videos of 13-year-old to prison inmate ▶ 1:04
Ocoee woman accused of sending sexual videos of 13-year-old to prison inmate
‘Breath of fresh air:’ Neighbors relieved as Brevard County condemns home of woman who dumped feces in yards ▶ 0:50
‘Breath of fresh air:’ Neighbors relieved as Brevard County condemns home of woman who dumped feces in yards
Central Florida congestion woes increase as construction goes on ▶ 1:03
Central Florida congestion woes increase as construction goes on
Prosecutor pinned for ‘oversight’ after man accused in Orlando jogging attack takes plea deal ▶ 0:55
Prosecutor pinned for ‘oversight’ after man accused in Orlando jogging attack takes plea deal
Florida’s bear hunt is underway, but FWC is not actively saying how many have been killed ▶ 0:52
Florida’s bear hunt is underway, but FWC is not actively saying how many have been killed
ADA compliance lawsuits hit Central Florida businesses, raising concerns about accessibility and legal challenges ▶ 1:13
ADA compliance lawsuits hit Central Florida businesses, raising concerns about accessibility and legal challenges
See the moment a plane crashes into a car on I-95 in Brevard ▶ 0:41
See the moment a plane crashes into a car on I-95 in Brevard
Bane scores 37 to lead the Orlando Magic past the Heat in the NBA Cup quarterfinals ▶ 0:39
Bane scores 37 to lead the Orlando Magic past the Heat in the NBA Cup quarterfinals
‘Not in our backyard:’ Gas plant to power cruise ships could be built near Merritt Island neighborhood ▶ 0:53
‘Not in our backyard:’ Gas plant to power cruise ships could be built near Merritt Island neighborhood
Residents split on new Celery Avenue speed tables in Seminole County ▶ 0:44
Residents split on new Celery Avenue speed tables in Seminole County
New Smyrna Beach faces final vote on ‘pedal pubs’ amid concerns ▶ 0:27
New Smyrna Beach faces final vote on ‘pedal pubs’ amid concerns
Previous photo Next photo 
