Success: Tennessee Governor Prevents Bible From Becoming State Book

Target: Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam

Goal: Applaud veto of bill seeking to make the Bible the state book of Tennessee.

An unconstitutional bill was struck down as Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam vetoed a measure that would have made the Holy Bible the state book of Tennessee. Haslam’s veto comes thanks to a swell of public pressure resulting from petitions such as this one from ForceChange. America’s constitution clearly forbids the mixing of church and state, and Haslam’s actions ensure that one religion will not be elevated above others.

Tennessee lawmakers in favor of the bill claimed that it was not motivated by religion, but by a desire to recognize the Bible’s historical and economic significance in the state’s history. In response, Governor Haslam argued, “If we believe that the Bible is the word of God, then we shouldn’t be recognizing it only as a book of historical and economic significance.”

While citizens have the right to allow their faith to influence their political beliefs, they do not have the right to force these ideologies on fellow citizens. Sign the petition below and thank Haslam for protecting the constitution and recognizing the importance of religious freedom.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Governor Haslam,

I am writing to applaud your recent decision to veto a bill that would have made the Holy Bible the state book of Tennessee. While citizens have the right to allow their faith to influence their political beliefs, they do not have the right to force these ideologies on fellow citizens. Our nation’s constitution mandates that church and state be separated, and your veto ensures that this principle will be upheld.

Though legislators attempted to claim that the bill was intended to recognize the Bible’s historical and economic significance in the state’s history as opposed to its religious influence, such an excuse is not grounds to elevate a religious text above others. Thank you for protecting the constitution and ensuring religious equality in your state.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo credit: Lynn Greyling