Debate over evolution now allowed in Tenn. schools
A bill that encourages classroom debate over evolution will become law in Tennessee, despite a veto campaign mounted by scientists and civil libertarians who say it will reopen a decades-old controversy over teaching creationism to the state's schoolchildren.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam said that he will allow House Bill 368/Senate Bill 893 to become law without his signature, a symbolic move that signals his opposition but allows the measure to be added to the state code.
"The bill received strong bipartisan support, passing the House and Senate by a 3-to-1 margin," he said Tuesday. "But good legislation should bring clarity and not confusion. My concern is that this bill has not met this objective."...