By Journalist Sweety Patel (OU)
Representative Burris introduced House Bill 504 on the 16th. The Edifying God’s Children bill definitely had strong opinions from both sides of the aisle.
The bill aims to provide principles of the Ten Commandments in Oklahoma public school classrooms. This bill gives students in the Oklahoma public school system the option to partake in Biblical theological classes.
Right after the author’s explanation, lots of hands went up for questions. When the time came, caucusing was in full swing. The same went for debate. House members were eager to debate this bill both for the proponency and opponency.
Here’s what some of the members of the debate had to say:
“And we’re not even saying do all of em, we’re basically saying honor your mom and dad, don’t lie about your neighbor, don’t steal, I mean, Christian or not, we can all agree to those,” said Representative Odom.
“Maybe the majority religion, however this does not change the fact that out other religions in Oklahoma will be devalued if this bill has passed, furthermore there is a clause in the etiquette portion or the definition of etiquette that say dress appropriately however it is assumed that the bible says appropriate, however in Corinthians 11 modesty is suggested as veil, head covering, however majority of Oklahomans do not view no covering you head as no appreciate so the language of the bill even using the Ten Commandments is still unclear,” said a House Representative.
“Just because the author claims Christianity is the majority religion in the state that does not undercut the variety of other religion groups… public prayer is not the same as mandated curriculum… furthermore the author in their authors speech states they want to teach multiple religions but only quotes christianity so would it not be better to teach a separate religion course instead of pushing their personal beliefs onto a large amount of education in Oklahoma,” said a House Representative.
“Although the proposal elective is optional, the reality is that any elective in public school funded with public taxpayer money is not optional. Hindus, Muslims, Atheists, and other religions excluding those who don’t follow religion will have to pay for the education of the christian religion…this is the bible belt, yes, but the principle of a separation of church and state is so embedded in this country that to run contrary to this is the greatest sight against this country’s founding ideas the people here speak of so no amendments can work because of this” said a House Representative.
All the debaters were strong and passionate in their arguments.