The state of Texas has passed legislation requiring the inclusion of Bible stories in public school curricula, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from the United Kingdom, which warns of an erosion of religious freedom. The law, signed by Governor Greg Abbott, mandates that schools teach stories from the Old and New Testaments in a manner that is 'objective and non-devotional', though critics argue it blurs the line between education and indoctrination.
Under the new law, schools must incorporate Bible stories into lessons on history, literature, and social studies. Proponents claim it provides cultural and historical context, pointing to the Bible's influence on Western civilisation. 'Understanding biblical references is essential for grasping the foundations of our legal and moral systems,' said State Representative Tom Oliverson, a sponsor of the bill.
However, the UK's Foreign Office issued a statement expressing concern. 'We are alarmed by this development, which appears to prioritise one religious text over others in public education. True religious freedom includes the freedom from religion, and such policies risk marginalising students of other faiths or none,' a spokesperson said. The UK has previously criticised similar moves in the United States, including the display of the Ten Commandments in Louisiana classrooms.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has announced plans to challenge the law in court, arguing it violates the First Amendment's Establishment Clause, which prohibits government endorsement of religion. 'This is a clear attempt to inject a specific religious doctrine into public schools, and it cannot stand,' said ACLU attorney Heather Weaver.
Texas is not alone: several other Republican-led states, including Oklahoma and Florida, have advanced legislation promoting religious instruction in schools. This follows a trend of increasing entanglement between faith and state in the US, as the Supreme Court has grown more sympathetic to such measures in recent rulings.
The law's educational impact is uncertain. A 2023 Pew Research study found that 45% of Americans favour the Bible being taught in public schools as literature, but only 29% support it as a religious text. Opponents worry teachers lack training to present the stories neutrally. 'We are setting up a situation where teachers may feel pressured to present Bible stories as fact, not mythology,' warned Dr. Sarah Johnson, a religious studies professor at the University of Texas.
Meanwhile, the UK's own relationship with religion in schools is complex. While state-funded faith schools exist, religious education curricula are required to be broad and inclusive. The UK government's reaction reflects broader European unease about perceived threats to secularism in America.
As the legal battle begins, the Texas law exemplifies the deepening culture wars over the role of religion in public life. The outcome could set a precedent for other states and test the limits of religious freedom in the 21st century.
