A plan to make the Bible the official state book in Tennessee appears in jeopardy after one of the most powerful legislators said he hopes to derail the proposal.
Republican Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris told reporters Thursday that he will call next week for the measure to be sent back to a committee that has been closed, effectively killing it this year.
The bill has divided Republicans in conservative Tennessee. Some say the Bible is far too sacred to be deemed an "official state book." Conversely, others believe it's an integral part of the state's history. And constitutional questions have been raised about the plan.
On Wednesday, the GOP-controlled House approved the bill 55-38.
Other opponents include Republican Gov. Bill Haslam and the Republican speakers of both chambers.
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