BOISE, Idaho – The Idaho Family Policy Center, a Christian lobbying group, is advocating for a new bill that would require public school students to read the Bible cover to cover.
The proposal, known as the School-Sponsored Bible Reading Act, is set to be introduced in the upcoming legislative session beginning January 6, 2025.
Blaine Conzatti, president of the Idaho Family Policy Center, believes that biblical values are essential for the community.
“We believe that our children and our communities are starved for the biblical values that once made our state and our nation great,” Conzatti said.
He noted that Bible readings were a part of Idaho public schools for nearly 100 years until 1963.
In 1963, the Supreme Court ruled that Bible readings in public schools are unconstitutional, citing the Establishment Clause, which prevents the government from favoring one religion over another.
Despite this, Conzatti argues that the new proposal would not violate the First Amendment.
“We have made significant updates to that 1963 law and our updates will help ensure that it passes constitutional muster under current case law,” he stated.
However, Representative Ilana Rubel (D), an attorney, expressed concerns about the proposal’s constitutionality.
“This is so fundamental that I would really be surprised that if a law like this could survive constitutional muster,” Rubel said.
She also mentioned that the proposal might conflict with a law passed last year in Idaho.
“You can’t forget the book ban law, the library bill that the legislature passed last year, which exposes libraries and schools to significant liability if they make available any book that contains any description of sexual conduct, homosexuality, nudity, sexual excitement. All of that is in the Bible,” Rep. Rubel said.
Conzatti emphasized that participation in the Bible reading would be optional, with an opt-out option available for teachers and students.
“We are not forcing anyone to affirm the doctrines or theology of Christianity. We’re simply recognizing that the Bible is a reservoir of moral principles,” Conzatti added.
Conzatti declined to reveal if a legislator will sponsor the bill. The legislative session in Idaho begins on January 6, 2025.
