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Senate advances ‘origins of life’ resolution to third reading after heated debate over curriculum language
Summary
Senate Bill 96, a resolution addressing how ‘origins of life’ topics are described in school instruction, cleared the Senate for third reading after prolonged debate and an amendment inserting the word 'scientific.' The vote to read for a third time was 17-12. Supporters said the measure encourages teaching multiple viewpoints; opponents warned it could invite non-scientific material into science classrooms.
On Jan. 19 the Utah Senate approved by a 17-12 margin a motion to read Senate Bill 96 for a third time after intense debate about whether the resolution would compel teachers to present non-scientific or faith-based material in science instruction.
Senator Butters, sponsor of SB 96, proposed floor amendments inserting the adjective “scientific” in two places to clarify that the bill would require teachers to present “scientific opposing views” rather than religious doctrines. Butters told colleagues the measure does not promote…
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