Reprinted from NewsMax.com
A state lawmaker introduced legislation designed to prevent the theory of evolution from being taught in Georgia's classrooms. The bill by Republican Rep. Ben Bridges requires only "scientific fact" be taught in public schools - in his mind ruling out the theory of evolution. "It's in the book that it's a theory, but these teachers teach it like it's a fact," he said. "Let's teach them the truth or don't teach them anything."
The bill appears to face long odds. Democrats in the Legislature blasted the proposal - particularly the measure's use of the word "theory" to suggest evolution is an unproven assumption. "You mean, like the theory of gravity?" quipped Democratic Rep. Tom Bordeaux.
In November, a suburban Atlanta school district was put on trial for placing a disclaimer on science books calling evolution "a theory, not a fact." Judge Clarence Cooper ruled this month the disclaimers must be removed because they tacitly endorse the religious belief of creationism, even though it's not specifically mentioned. The Cobb County school board is appealing.
A year ago - nearly 80 years after the landmark Scopes Monkey Trial in neighboring Tennessee - Georgia's schools superintendent also caused an uproar when she proposed to replace the word "evolution" with "changes over time" in the state's science curriculum. The proposal was quickly dropped amid widespread criticism.
Lawmakers in Kansas on Thursday also wrestled with how to teach evolution.
There, efforts to expose students to stronger criticisms of evolution were rebuffed by a committee rewriting science education standards _ setting up a potential confrontation with the conservative-minded State Board of Education.
The committee, appointed by the state board, is revising Kansas' standards for science education, which currently describe evolution as a key concept students should learn.
While reviewing the committee's work in December, some members of the state board questioned whether the committee had properly considered views about teaching creationism or intelligent design.
"Hidden in back, behind all of this, is their belief there's been some supernatural creation," said committee member Jack Krebs, a high school math teacher.
The state board is expected to review the committee's recommendations in April.
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