Secularist group vows to oppose resolution that would make Bible the official book in Arkansas

A secular humanist group in Arkansas has vowed to oppose efforts to pass a resolution that would make the Bible the official book of the state.

Earlier this month, the Arkansas House of Representatives passed a resolution that would recognize any version of the Bible as the official state book.

The resolution, introduced by Rep. Dwight Tosh (R-Jonesboro), states that the Bible is "considered by many to be a book of truth," and the laws contained in the book form the "basis upon which our modern civilization is structured."

"This book represents what we represent ... the truth. Our society is founded on Christian principles and the Bible played a major part," said Tosh.

In an interview with KATV's "Talk Business and Politics," Arkansas Society of Freethinkers (ASF) President Anne Orsi said that the efforts to pass the resolution is a clear violation of the separation of church and state.

"It blatantly violates the First Amendment," said Orsi. "I don't think it furthers anything about Arkansas ... it's a divisive thing. It doesn't pull Arkansans together ... there are many people in this state that have been hurt by religion, especially Christianity," she added.

The Senate will not be considering the resolution as it was not filed jointly. Tosh said he might bring it up at the next session so that the senators would be allowed to vote on it. He considered filing it as a bill, but he feared that it would face numerous legal challenges.

The proposal received wide support from both parties. Rep. Vivian Flowers (D-Pine Bluff) noted that the resolution is not legally binding and many in the Arkansas read and enjoy the Bible.

West Virginia is also considering a bill that would make the Bible the official state book. There have been similar proposals in other states such as Mississippi and Louisiana, but efforts to pass it have been unsuccessful.

Last year, Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam vetoed a bill to make the Bible the official book in his state, saying the legislation "trivializes the Bibles, which I believe is a sacred text."

Orsi said that ASF will petition legislators to oppose the resolution if there are any further attempts to promote the Bible as the official state book. She expressed plans to organize rallies at the capitol and find other ways to oppose the proposal. She further noted that ASF might consider legal action if the resolution is passed.

Arkansas currently has no official book, but it has several official symbols, such as the mockingbird as the state bird, the apple blossom as the state flower, and the white-tailed deer as the state mammal.