Haslam: Bible as official Tennessee book not 'respectful'

A bill to make the Bible the official book of Tennessee isn't very "respectful" in the view of Gov. Bill Haslam.

The Tennessee Attorney General also thinks the bill, set for a vote Tuesday morning in the House, may be unconstitutional.

"The governor doesn't think it's very respectful of what the Bible is," said David Smith, a Haslam spokesman.

The Associated Press obtained a copy of an opinion from Attorney General Herbert Slatery. The AP writes that Slatery believes the bill would violate separation of church and state provisions in the federal and state constitutions.

Slatery's office hadn't widely released the opinion as of Monday evening.

Haslam, who is an elder at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, echoes concerns of Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, R-Blountville, Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris, R-Collierville, and other legislative leaders about the bill. Ramsey and Norris said they revere the Bible, but they thought including it in the list of official state items along with the catfish and "Rocky Top" is offensive.

"I mean the Bible is my official book, it is. It shouldn't be put in the Blue Book with "Rocky Top," salamanders and tulip poplars. I'm sorry; it just shouldn't," Ramsey recently told reporters.

"And it may pass, I don't know. But I'll guarantee you one thing: When it comes to the floor, I'm voting against it. I think that belittles the most holy book that's ever been written, in my opinion."

As originally introduced, the bill simply would've added a line to state law to make "the Holy Bible" the official book of Tennessee. The House approved an amendment pushed by bill sponsor Rep. Jerry Sexton, R-Bean Station, who argues his bill is about highlighting the Bible's role in Tennessee history instead of pushing a particular religion.

The amended version lists several paragraphs that point to the economic impact the Bible has on the region, noting in part that many Bibles are printed in the area.

It also states "designating the Holy Bible as the official state book is in keeping with the religious connotations reflected in other state symbols and songs."

Several pastors and a rabbi spoke out against the bill during a recent Senate hearing. Opponents have argued the bill isn't specific enough as to which Bible it's referencing, that it does promote one religion over others and that the bill might not be constitutional.

Similar efforts in other states have failed, although Louisiana law experts told The New Orleans Times-Picayune in 2014 the constitutionality would be difficult to challenge.

After some discussion, the Senate State and Government Committee passed the bill by a 7-0 vote, with two members choosing not to vote. The bill also has advanced through the committee process in the Senate and could be scheduled for a vote in the Senate soon.

Reach Dave Boucher at 615-259-8892 and on Twitter @Dave_Boucher1.