Every Senate Republican, except state Sen. Sue Glick, R-LaGrange, supported the measure; it was uniformly opposed by Senate Democrats.

State Sen. Mark Stoops, D-Bloomington, argued that the resolution actually undermines Indiana's efforts to promote science education and get students to pursue careers in technological fields.

"When I read it, it sounds like we are authorizing teachers to teach creationism in a science class," Stoops said.

State Sen. Frank Mrvan, D-Hammond, pointed out that the broad wording of the resolution also seemingly opens the door for teachers to promote any controversial belief in the classroom, be it the benefits of illegal drug use or the need for the United States to adopt communism.

"It's a big danger," Mrvan said. "They could be talking about anything in the world and they won't be responsible for it."

State Sen. Eddie Melton, D-Merrillville, said he saw the resolution as unnecessary, because there's nothing currently preventing teachers from answering student questions in any way they see fit.

Raatz and state Sen. Dennis Kruse, R-Auburn, co-sponsor of the resolution and Senate Education Committee chairman, have a history of promoting "teach the controversy" legislation concerning evolution.