Fla. Lawmaker Wants Schools to Teach Creationism

A Florida Republican lawmaker wants the state to allow the teaching of creationism in classrooms along with the theory of evolution, the Florida Times-Union reported Thursday.

State Sen. Stephen Wise, a Jacksonville Republican, is spearheading the movement for a "thorough presentation and critical analysis of the scientific theory of evolution." He’s proposed a bill that’s intended to allow freedom in Florida classrooms.

"Why would you not teach both theories at the same time?" Wise has said. He called the other theory "non-evolution."

Wise filed a similar bill in 2009. Back then, he questioned the theory of evolution during a radio interview.

"The person says ... we came from apes. Why do we still have apes if we came from them?" Wise asked.

His efforts failed in 2009, but the legislation may find more support now in a more conservative statehouse. A companion bill has been filed in the House by Rep. Michael Bileca, a South Florida Republican.