Proposed bill would require West Virginia schools to offer Bible class

A proposed bill in the West Virginia Senate could require all schools to provide an elective course on the Bible.

, sponsored by State Senators Mike Azinger and Sue Cline, would apply to private schools, as well as public ones.

According to the proposed legislation, the course would be taught on either Hebrew scriptures or the Bible.

The bill would allow students to use a translation of their choice.

According to the bill, the elective course would "teach students knowledge of biblical content, characters, poetry, and narratives that are prerequisites to understanding contemporary society and culture."

The bill, as written, would require "federal and state laws to be followed regarding religious neutrality, while accommodating the diverse religious views of students."

It also states that the course taught at any school "may not endorse, favor, or promote, or disfavor or show hostility toward, any particular religion or nonreligious faith or religious perspective," according to federal law.

SB 252 has been sent to the education committee.