Still, bill opponents indicated a need for another viewpoint in the classroom.

Frank Strickland, who holds a master's degree in geology, said "(I'm) not proposing evolution not be taught in the classroom . . . but it should be the truth, whole truth, and nothing but the truth," he said. "There is empirical evidence —we're not talking faith here — causing evolution to be in serious trouble."

B. Kent Harrison, who identified himself as a retired Brigham Young University physics professor, disagreed.

"The basic idea of evolution is not in question," he said. "To me, the best answer is to see evolution and religion can be compatible. . . . Evolution is simply the method God used to create the human body."

The full Senate is next up to debate the bill. Senate President John Valentine, R-Orem, has said the bill is likely to pass there.

Madden expressed his disappointment with the committee's vote.

"I'm sad about the face it puts on Utah," Madden said. "It could have some economic impact. If a science or technology business is looking for a place to locate, they might look elsewhere."

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E-mail: jtcook@desnews.com