CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Senators rejected an amendment that would have broadened a bill clarifying that county school boards may offer elective courses of instruction on the Bible.

Senator Stephen Baldwin, D-Greenbrier, offered an amendment to include other sacred texts. His proposal was defeated, 15-19.

“The point is to be broad and inclusive and not name specific texts,” said Baldwin, who is a pastor in Greenbrier County.

Baldwin said his role brings him into contact with people of differing religious beliefs. Those conversations require respect and open-mindedness, he said.

“This is a charged subject. You’re talking about people’s deeply held beliefs. That requires us when we’re in a democracy to be respectful,” he said.

“Let’s be careful. Let’s make room for all faith groups in West Virginia.”

House Bill 4780 clarifies that public schools may offer students in grade nine or above an elective, Bible-based social studies course.

The House of Delegates also heavily debated whether the bill should include other religious traditions.

The Senate earlier had its own version of the bill. That one was amended in committee to be broadened.

Baldwin noted that the broadened Senate bill passed 15-2 in Judiciary Committee and then 34-0 in the full Senate.

“Why are we back here doing this again?” he asked.

The reason is the narrower House version is the bill that remains viable.

So it was the one before senators and is now just a step from final passage.

Senator Mark Maynard, R-Wayne, said he prefers this version. He said other religious texts such as the Book of Mormon or the Quran could be reflected in future legislation.

But an amendment now, he said, “It reduces the original intent of the bill.”

Senator Mike Azinger, R-Wood, agreed saying the current version of the bill is what he intended by sponsoring the original Senate version.

“This amendment would undermine the intent of the bill, the meaning of the bill,” he said.