The South Dakota House of Representatives on Wednesday approved a resolution supporting and encouraging the "academic study of the Bible in South Dakota public schools."

The non-binding resolution, HCR 1004, passed the House 55-13.

Rep. Steve Hickey, R-Sioux Falls, said it was important to give students the chance to study the Bible in a "non-devotional way" because of its cultural significance. There currently is no state law that would prevent the academic study of the Bible or other religious books in public schools.

His resolution calls for schools to offer support for elective classes teaching the Bible.

Hickey also said he would be fine with teaching other religious books, such as the Quran or the Book of Mormon, in schools, citing their cultural and historical significance.

The resolution cites support from the U.S. Supreme Court and other sources that schools can teach about the Bible in an academic, non-devotional nature that "does not press students to accept religion" and "neither encourages nor discourages differing religious views" among other qualifications.