No, the Bible can't be our official book: Column
Tennessee's governor struck the right balance between defending religious liberty and not endorsing a religion.
NASHVILLE — Tennessee's governor showed great courage and conviction by vetoing a bill that would have made the Bible the official book of Tennessee.
In his veto message, Gov. Bill Haslam struck the right balance between constitutionally protected religious liberties and the prohibition against the state’s endorsement of one religion over another.
"I strongly disagree with those who are trying to drive religion out of the public square," Haslam wrote. "However, that is very different from the governmental establishment of religion that our founders warned against and our Constitution prohibits."
Sen. Steve Southerland, the bill’s Senate sponsor, intends to push to override the governor’s veto next week. In Tennessee only a simple majority is necessary to undo a veto.
That is unfortunate because this bill is divisive and the override process will suck time from other important legislative priorities.
However, even if the Tennessee General Assembly succeeds in defying the governor’s wishes, he should know that he showed wisdom and leadership. He did the right thing.
Opinion Engagement Editor David Plazas wrote this editorial on behalf of The Tennessean Editorial Board. Follow Plazas on Twitter: @davidplazas
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