Tennessee lawmakers vote to ban religious indoctrination

Friday, March 11, 2016, Vol. 40, No. 11

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee lawmakers have passed legislation aimed at banning religious "indoctrination" at schools.

The bill would require each school board to establish guidelines on how religion is taught in school, and to make teaching plans available to the public.

The new rules would apply for the upcoming school year.

The Senate voted 29-1 on Monday to pass the bill sponsored by Sen. Mike Bell of Riceville. The House had passed the measure on an 82-2 vote last month.

Republican Gov. Bill Haslam told reporters earlier in the day that he was under the impression that proselyting is already banned in the classroom, so he doesn't have major objections to the legislation headed for his signature.