The Bible will not be the official book of the state of Tennessee.
According to reports, Governor Bill Haslam has vetoed the bill.
The governor cited the attorney general's opinion that it would violate the First Amendment.
The governor released the following letter detailing his veto Thursday:
He also added his personal feeling that making the Bible a state book would trivialize a sacred text.
Hedy Weinberg, executive director of the ACLU of Tennessee, released the following statement regarding the veto:
“We applaud Governor Haslam for his leadership in sending a clear message that Tennessee values and respects the religious freedom of all Tennesseans. Religion thrives when it is left in the hands of families and faith communities. Publicly elected government officials cannot use their official positions to favor one religious belief over another. The governor’s veto of this unconstitutional legislation ensures that religious freedom can flourish in Tennessee.”
