Back in 1925, Dayton, Tennessee was home to the famous Scopes “monkey trial”, which saw teacher John Scopes violating a state statute by teaching evolution in biology. Almost a century of science, research and cultural development later they’re still dealing with the same problems.

Tennessee governor Bill Haslam, said on Tuesday that he would “let a bill become law that protects teachers who allow students in their classrooms to criticize evolution and other scientific theories, such as global warming.” Although he initially claimed he would sign the bill, he later changed his tune and disclosed that he let it take effect without his signature on 20 April.

Not surprisingly there are plenty of supporters on either side of the fence. Those in favour contend that the legislation will help students think more critically. Those opposed claim the legislation attacks evolution, and other scientific theories. Last week the governor received a petition with more 3000 signatures that urged him to veto the legislation. The American Civil Liberties Union had also asked him to veto it and executive director Hedy Weinberg stated that the law “undermines science education in Tennessee public schools.” Scientists in the state also added that evolution is established science which should not be taught as controversy.

“The bill received strong bipartisan support, passing the House and Senate … but good legislation should bring clarity and not confusion,” Haslam noted in a statement. “My concern is that this bill has not met this objective.”

Although creationism and intelligent design are not part of the state’s curriculum, senate sponsor Bo Watson said that questions surround the issues create a “teachable moment.”

“If a student asks a question about it, the teacher should feel comfortable in using that … to say here’s the difference between science and creationism, the difference between evolution and creationism,” Watson said. “And here’s why evolution is science’s best explanation and creationism is not.”

Jerry Winters, a lobbyist for the Tennessee Education Association also weighed in.

“Tennessee has a long history when you talk about the problems of teaching evolution,” he said. “And with all the emphasis on science, technology and engineering and math, it just seems to be moving totally in the wrong direction.”

In a country that has its own issues with religion and science, where do you stand on the issue?

[Source: Newser]