"If we are actually going to do those things, we should do it not with just one theory in the biology classroom. We should do it with all theories in the classroom," McCoy said. "The fact it does target one particular theory points to the fact this debate is really about something much different than is being represented."

Utah Eagle Forum President Gayle Ruzicka said the bill has nothing to do with religion. She noted references to faith "happens all the time here in the Legislature.

"(The bill is) so simple, I don't understand why everyone's making such a big deal out of it."

Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. last summer said he did not believe intelligent design should be taught in science classes, and that science students should "be instructed in those things that are somewhat quantifiable and based on thorough and rigorous empirical research." The time to talk about other concepts is outside the classroom, at home or in church, he said.

Friday, his deputy chief of staff and spokesman, Mike Mower, said Huntsman's stand is the same. But just as the governor did earlier this year, Mower stopped short of saying the governor would veto Buttars' bill, should it pass the House.

"It's too early for that discussion," Mowers said. Asked about the changes made in the legislation since it was first proposed, Mowers said only that the administration "will continue to review the bill. However, the governor has made his position clear."

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Contributing: Lisa Riley Roche

E-mail: jtcook@desnews.com

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