Idaho bill mandates Bible readings in schools, ignites national debate over religion in US public education – The Times of India

Idaho is at the center of a growing national debate over the role of religion in public education. A new bill, HB 162, introduced in the state’s legislature, would require daily Bible readings in all public school classrooms. The legislation, which has moved forward in the Idaho House Education Committee, mandates that teachers read from a specific version of the Bible each morning, aiming to read the entire Bible over a span of ten school years.
The bill has sparked considerable controversy, not just in Idaho, but across the United States, as it challenges the longstanding separation of church and state in public schools. Advocates for the bill, including the Idaho Family Policy Center (IFPC), argue that such a practice is in line with historical precedents and a necessary part of American education. Critics, however, see it as a violation of constitutional principles, pointing to concerns over religious freedom and inclusivity in a diverse society.
Legal implications and religious freedoms
HB 162 is being championed by Representative Jordan Redman, who introduced the bill with backing from conservative religious groups, including the IFPC. The bill stipulates that only the King James, New King James, or Revised Standard versions of the Bible may be used, ensuring that any religious text other than the Bible, such as the Quran or the Satanic Bible, would be excluded. Teachers may be excused from participation based on religious or conscientious objections, and students can opt out with a parent’s note.
One of the most significant features of the bill is its reliance on the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling in Kennedy v. Bremerton, which allowed a high school football coach to lead prayers at games. The bill asserts that Bible readings in schools reflect a historical practice that was once common in Idaho until a federal court ruled it unconstitutional in 1964.
Nationwide concerns and state-level impact
The bill has ignited a wider debate on the role of religion in US public schools. While proponents argue it reflects the country’s historical foundations, opponents warn that it undermines the constitutional principle of church-state separation. As Idaho pushes forward with the bill, similar discussions are likely to unfold in other states, setting the stage for potential legal challenges.