Florida teachers could freely mention religious theories about the origin of humankind — including creationism and intelligent design — along with evolution without fearing retribution under a measure that passed a key Senate committee Tuesday despite sharp opposition from South Florida lawmakers.
The “Evolution Academic Freedom Act” was approved 7-3 by the Senate Judiciary Committee and now goes to the full chamber for consideration, although no date has yet been set. The measure awaits its first hearing in the House.
Sen. Ronda Storms, R-Valrico, said she filed the bill after hearing cases of students and teachers who felt “muzzled” and unable to discuss alternate theories on the origin of life in the classroom. She said teachers have suffered retribution from school authorities and students have been the target of “denigrating comments” from other teachers.
While the measure does not allow any teacher to promote a specific religious doctrine, “you can hold to your own religious views without being attacked for it,” Storms said. “This promotes the free flow of ideas.”
