Buttars has suggested intelligent design be taught in Utah public schools, perhaps in a required philosophy or humanities class, if students must learn humans evolved from lesser species. He likened barring such discussions to censorship.

The State Board of Education last September unanimously supported teaching evolution in high school biology, where it is central to the state core curriculum. Its position statement was supported by several university professors and scientists from institutions including Brigham Young University.

"The board listened to good testimony (and) is quite committed, I think, to the separation of religion from the schools, though many of us are very religious folks," State Board of Education chairman Kim Burningham said, reserving judgment on Buttars' bill until he sees it. "I just hate (for) us to give our attention to that when it seems (there are) so many more important things we ought to be giving our attention to."

Buttars said he formally requested that the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel draft the bill early this month.

He addressed the matter on "The Senate Site" online blog this week, saying bill language will remain shielded from public view "until I'm satisfied that, one, the intent of the bill is clear, two, how it will be administered is also clear, and three, it can withstand a court challenge."

"I'm constantly pestered, 'Are you doing anything in this arena?' My answer is yes, and I'm presently preparing it," Buttars said in an interview. "I have a very strong individual in the House who knows what I'm doing and wants to be a sponsor over there. . . . Yes, he's one of the leaders."

House Speaker Greg Curtis, R-Sandy, said he was unaware of any House sponsors.

Utah Eagle Forum President Gayle Ruzicka praises Buttars' efforts. She asked Buttars to speak on the subject of evolution and intelligent design at the group's Jan. 14 convention. She said Buttars offered to unveil the bill at the same time.

"This is a very, very important issue for us," Ruzicka said. "We're not asking them not to teach evolution, but one, teach evolution as a theory ,and two. . . , include more than one viewpoint. It's as simple as that. We want young people who have been taught something else to not doubt what they've been taught (by being) given information that evolution is a fact."

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E-mail: jtcook@desnews.com