(The Center Square) – Ohio lawmakers want teachers to know they can teach about the positive impact of religion, particularly Christianity, on American history.
The Ohio House recently passed the Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act, which singles out Christianity as shaping American history and emphasizes religion’s consistency with freedom of speech.
The legislation followed the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk earlier this year.
“It’s important to clarify that this legislation does not mandate the teaching of any religion in our schools,” Rep. Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) said in a statement. “However, there’s no denying that the foundation of our nation was shaped by Judeo-Christian values. In times of tragedy, we are reminded of the timeless wisdom of our founding fathers and the blessings they set forth at the birth of our country.”
The bill is a declaration by the General Assembly that “the teaching of the historical and positive impact of religion on American history is consistent with the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. An accurate and historical account of the influence of Christianity on the freedom and liberties ingrained in our culture is imperative to reducing ignorance of American history, hate, and violence within our society.”
It also declares that “accurate historical instruction regarding verifiable, historical impacts of religion on American history is factual and is not proselytization or a violation of the First Amendment.”
The bill was part of a flurry of activity in the House on its last meeting day of the year.
The chamber also passed a bill that would require the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles to notify drivers electronically at least 15 days before their license expires.
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Another bill would allow nonprofits and tax-exempt organizations and schools to sell raffle tickets online.
Another bill is moving to the Senate that would create a registry of home kitchens to allow certain types of foods to be sold from home without getting a food processing license from the state.
