Idaho – February 7, 2025 – In public schools in Idaho, a new bill could make Bible reading a daily routine. Lawmakers want every classroom to start the day with a passage from the Bible, and many people have strong opinions about it.
What the Bill Says
Rep. Jordan Redman introduced the bill, which would require teachers to read a section of the Bible each morning.
The readings would come from the King James, New King James, or Revised Standard Version. The plan would have schools go through the entire Bible in 10 years.
Teachers who do not want to read the passages can step aside, and someone else will take over. Parents can also request for their children to skip the readings.
Why Supporters Like It
Those who support the bill say reading the Bible will help students learn good values and strong morals. They also believe that Bible reading in schools has a long history in Idaho, making it a tradition worth bringing back.
Blaine Conzatti, leader of the Idaho Family Policy Center, helped write the bill. He pointed out that schools in Idaho used to read the Bible every day before a court decision stopped it.
If the bill passes, Idaho public school districts would be required to read the Bible daily in class.
It would be organized into sections, so that the entire Bible would be read sequentially over 10 years.
Teachers and parents can opt out. https://t.co/VN04zOp6b8
— Maggie O’Mara (@maggieKTVB7) February 6, 2025
Why Some Oppose It
Some lawmakers say the bill might violate the Constitution because public schools are not supposed to promote any religion.
Rep. Jack Nelsen said people came to America to escape government-controlled religion, not to have it forced on them. Rep. Chris Mathias also shared concerns, saying that laws based on history make him uneasy.
The ACLU of Idaho has spoken out against the bill. They say the law would be unconstitutional because the state should not force any religious practice in public schools.
As a Christian, as a pastor, as an American, and as a life long Idahoan, I find this shameful in every way.
It not only uses our most sacred text in a dishonorable and cavalier way, but it violates the religious freedom of others.
This is simply selfish and hypocritical. pic.twitter.com/xj3hpxFBpc
— Rev. Benjamin Cremer (@Brcremer) February 7, 2025
What Happens Next
If the bill passes, some believe it will face court challenges. In 1963, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Bible reading in schools was not allowed because it violated the First Amendment.
Other states, like Oklahoma and Louisiana, have pushed for similar laws. Idaho now joins that debate, and many are waiting to see if the bill moves forward or gets shut down.
The bill will soon go to a public hearing, where lawmakers and citizens will argue their case.
Source: Idaho News
