'Origins of life' bill falters
Some Republicans in House raising concerns
Already, some Republicans in the House are raising concerns about SB96, which would regulate classroom discussions about the origins of life by requiring that teachers must "stress that not all scientists agree on which theory regarding the origins of life, or the origins or present state of the human race, is correct." The bill passed the Senate Monday.
House Majority Whip Steve Urquhart, R-St. George, said Tuesday that he cannot support the bill because it does not clarify those competing theories, especially regarding evolution. At the same time, he doubted that those other theories could be clarified because there is only one, intelligent design, which fills the gaps in evolutionary theory by crediting a higher power.
"God has no argument with science, and science does not have an argument with God," Urquhart said. "For many of us, each explains the other."
While the bill does not mention religion, creationism, intelligent design or God, Urquhart said he does not see how it could not be intended to bring those elements into a scientific discussion. But if it truly is a bill devoid of religion, then he wants the scientific explanations.
Reached at home Tuesday while recovering from a hospital stay this past weekend, Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, the bill's sponsor, said that evolution is not the only accepted theory and that for many scientists it still has many holes. He would not specify those other theories, however, although he plans to when the bill is heard in a House committee.
He also remained confident that the bill would pass the House.
"Evolution is not the consensus theory," Buttars said. "In fact, it's a leap of faith for many scientists, which is ironic."
Utah Eagle Forum President Gayle Ruzicka said that religion is not an element of the bill and that anyone who reads it will find that there is nothing to dispute. In fact, the bill only requires that "as long as it's scientific, they can talk about it," but teachers do not have to discuss religious viewpoints.
"We talking about the origins of life," she said. "Some say that we started with monkeys, others say we climbed out of the slime — if you look at everything that has been said, all you can do is point out that there are competing theories."
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