CHARLOTTE, N.C. —
Some state lawmakers want to put the Bible back in the classroom.
"I think it's great. I do," Charlotte resident Caroline Hood said.
However, Hood also understands the Senate bill could be controversial.
"That could be offensive," Hood said.
The bill, which is gaining support in Raleigh, would allow courses for graduation credit on the Old and New Testaments.
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Sen. Stan Bingham, who proposed the bill, said it shouldn't violate the constitutional separation of church and state because it's not a required class.
The American Civil Liberties Union sent Eyewitness News a statement saying that because religious belief is such a personal issue, "it's a topic best left up to the student's parents, and not government bureaucrats or school officials."
Many people who reached out to Eyewitness News said the schools need help, and they said Bible classes could put the country back on track.
Many people Eyewitness News spoke with liked the idea of it being an option.
"I think it should be offered and should be left up to the students and the parents," Charlotte resident Melody Lyles said.
Lyles said it's a good history lesson.
"I don't see where it could hurt," she said.
Bingham told Eyewitness News by phone that this bill comes down to freedom.
"Freedom is what this country is based on," Bingham said. "And I believe and enjoy reading the Bible, and I certainly don't see a problem with it. Especially, it's an academic course, and it gives people the opportunity to learn."
The bill requires that teachers follow state and federal law, maintaining religious neutrality which means teachers cannot push religion on students. The bill was sent to committee.
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