Make the Bible Tennessee’s official state book resolution returns

The controversial measure to make the Bible the official book of Tennessee is once again back before the state legislature.

Recently on February 24,  Rep. Jerry Sexton (R-Bean Station) introduced House Joint Resolution 0150 to add the Christian book to the list of symbols and honors already in the Tennessee Blue Book.

In the past five years, this is the third time Sexton has introduced such legislation after similar bills failed in 2020 and 2016.

In the resolution, Sexton said the Holy Bible should be listed in the Tennessee Blue Book as the official state book for its impact in the state, saying it is “in keeping with the religious connotations reflected in other State symbols and songs.”

Sexton made comparisons to the Bible’s impact with symbols of other states such as tulip poplars, honeybees, and ladybugs. He said it holds historic, economic, and practical relevance to Tennesseans.  

In the past, efforts made to pass similar legislation were opposed by lawmakers and others who said such a move would blatantly violate the Tennessee Constitution and infringe on people’s rights.

Article I of the state constitution states that “no preference shall ever be given, by law, to any religious establishment or mode of worship.” It is a fundamental right for all Tennesseans.

A similar bill passed both chambers but was vetoed by former Republican Governor Bill Haslam on both religious and legal grounds in 2016.

“To put the Bible on the state, the same level as the state rock or the state tree, that’s not what the Bible is,” Haslam said in 2016. “I don’t think that people have to leave their faith at the door when they do work in the public square, but the Tennessee Constitution is very explicit about not establishing religion.”