From Deseret News archives:
Origin of life bill survives
The bill, carried in the House by Rep. Jim Ferrin, R-Orem sponsoring Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, is hospitalized with an undisclosed illness moved to the full House on a 7-6 vote by the House Education Standing Committee.
Ferrin substituted Buttars' bill to take out references to scientific theories about the origins of life, as scientists contend there are none, Ferrin said. It also attempts to prevent teachers from teaching as fact their ideas about the origins of life. But opponents fear the changes could open the door for the teaching of "intelligent design or creationism."
Another big difference came in the committee debate surrounding SB96. While public comments often focused on the merits of Darwin's theory of evolution, lawmakers strived to avoid references to religion, which were common in the Senate floor debate.
He was interrupted by House Majority Whip Rep. Steve Urquhart, R-St. George, a bill opponent, who asked Christensen to remain on topic, saying "The sponsor has said this has nothing to do with religion or belief in God."
The bill amended by Ferrin states that to encourage students to critically analyze scientific instruction regarding the origins of life and species, "the Legislature desires to avoid the perception that any scientific theory, hypothesis or instruction regarding the origins of life, or the origins of species has been indisputably proven, or that the state endorses any one theory or hypothesis."
The state school board must set up curriculum requirements "relating to scientific instruction of students on the origins of life and the origins of species." If those matters are taught, lessons must stress "no scientific theory, hypothesis or instruction regarding the origins of life or the origins of species has been indisputably proven."
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