Group Pushes for Bible Reading in Idaho Public Schools | Spokane News

BOISE, Idaho – The Idaho Family Policy Center, a Christian advocacy 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 scheduled to be introduced in the upcoming legislative session beginning January 6, 2025.

Blaine Conzatti, president of the Idaho Family Policy Center, believes biblical values ​​are essential to the community.

“We believe our children and our communities are hungry for the biblical values ​​that once made our state and our nation great,” Conzatti said.

He noted that Bible readings were part of Idaho public schools for nearly 100 years until 1963.

In 1963, the Supreme Court ruled that Bible readings in public schools were unconstitutional, citing the Establishment Clause, which prohibits the government from favoring one religion over another.

Still, Conzatti argues that the new proposal would not violate the First Amendment.

“We have significantly updated this 1963 law and our updates will help ensure it meets the constitutional requirements of current case law,” he said.

However, Rep. Ilana Rubel (D), a lawyer, expressed concerns about the constitutionality of the proposal.

“This is so fundamental that I would really be surprised if a law like this could survive constitutional scrutiny,” Rubel said.

She also mentioned that the proposal could conflict with a law passed in Idaho last year.

“One must not forget the Book Ban Act, the library bill passed by the legislature last year that exposes libraries and schools to significant liability if they make available books that contain descriptions of sexual behavior, homosexuality, nudity or sexual arousal. “All of this is in the Bible,” said Rep. Rubel.

Conzatti emphasized that participation in the Bible reading was optional and that there was an option for teachers and students to opt out.

“We do not force anyone to affirm the teachings or theology of Christianity. We simply recognize that the Bible is a reservoir of moral principles,” Conzatti added.

Conzatti wouldn’t say whether any lawmakers will support the bill. The Idaho legislative session begins January 6, 2025.