Lawmakers Fail To Override Tenn. Guv’s Veto Of Bible As Official State Book

In this April 13, 2016 photo, Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam talks with reporters in Nashville, Tenn. Haslam vetoed a bill that would make the Holy Bible the official book of Tennessee on Thursday, April 14, 2016. (AP Ph... In this April 13, 2016 photo, Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam talks with reporters in Nashville, Tenn. Haslam vetoed a bill that would make the Holy Bible the official book of Tennessee on Thursday, April 14, 2016. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) MORE LESS
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The state House has failed to override Gov. Bill Haslam’s veto of a bill to make Tennessee the first state to designate the Bible as its official book.

Forty-three members voted to re-pass the bill, falling short of the 50-vote threshold to turn back to the veto.

The Republican governor last week turned back the bill over constitutional concerns and because of concerns the measure “trivializes” what he considers a sacred text.

Sponsors argued that the measure seeks to honor the economic and historical impact of the Bible inTennessee history, rather than a state endorsement of religion.

But opponents said it diminishes the significance of the Bible to place it alongside other state symbols like the official reptile or rock.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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