Bill allowing teaching of creationism in public schools passes committee

The Indiana Senate Education Committee passed SB 89, which would allow schools to teach creationism in the classroom.

The bill allows school districts to allow “the teaching of various theories concerning the origin of life,” including “creation science.”

Republicans said creationism is just one of many theories on the origin of life that should be taught.

Republicans did, however, say it is a local option and creationism is only one of a handful of theories suggested by the bill.

“This is a local option and the local school board decides,” Committee Chairman Dennis Kruse, R-Auburn, said.

Senators and experts against the bill argued the bill would be ruled unconstitutional if challenged in court, but the committee nevertheless voted 8-2 for the bill and sent it to the full Senate.

— Charles Scudder