Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam.NASHVILLE -
(WRCB) - Governor Bill Haslam says he will not sign a controversial bill regarding evolution.
HB 368/SB 893, dubbed the "Monkey Bill", would allow students to challenge the teaching of the scientific theory of evolution in Tennessee science classes.
"I have reviewed the final language of HB 368/SB 893 and assessed the legislation's impact. I have also evaluated the concerns that have been raised by the bill," Governor Haslam said in a release Tuesday. "I do not believe that this legislation changes the scientific standards that are taught in our schools or the curriculum that is used by our teachers. However, I also don't believe that it accomplishes anything that isn't already acceptable in our schools."
"The bill received strong bipartisan support, passing the House and Senate by a three-to-one margin, but good legislation should bring clarity and not confusion. My concern is that this bill has not met this objective. For that reason, I will not sign the bill, but will allow it to become law without my signature," Haslam added.
