Idaho Governor Vetoes Public School Bible Bill

Idaho Gov. C.L. Otter has vetoed a bill that would have allowed the Bible to be used in public school curriculum.

Idaho public schools are permitted to reference the Bible and other religious texts but this bill specifically mentions the Bible.

The measure would have let public school teachers reference the Bible for subjects such as literature, history, music, and geography. No student would have been required to use any religious text if they objected to it.

"I have deep respect and appreciation for the Bible as a religious doctrine as well as a piece of historic literature," Otter said in a letter accompanying his veto.

However, he went on to say the law would be a "direct contravention to the Idaho Constitution and it could result in the loss of funding and costly litigation for Idaho public schools."

Sen. Sheryl Nuxoll, the bill's sponsor, expressed disappointment over Otter's decision to veto the bill.

"People with last names like Washington, Adams, and Madison blatantly identified the Bible as their reference point. They feared not having it would result in corruption and misuse of taxpayer funds. Are they right?" she said in a statement.