Indiana Senate approves creationism bill 28-22

The Indiana state Senate approved Senate Bill 89, which allows the teaching of religious-based alternatives to evolution science in public schools. The bill passed 28-22.

The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.

The teaching of religious-based alternatives to evolution was banned by the Supreme Court in the 1987 case Edwards vs. Aguillard, but the court only banned practices specifically under the term "creation science."

The bill's sponsor, Sen. Dennis Kruse, R-Auburn, told the Indianapolis Star that he expects a court challenge to the bill, but thinks the current Supreme Court might overturn the Edwards vs. Aguillard decision.

Bloomington's state senator, Sen. Minority Leader Vi Simpson, D-Ellettsville, tweeted, "Are we back in the 1950s?" minutes after the bill was passed in the Senate.

- Zach Ammerman