Greg Martin
The Tennessee General Assembly unanimously passed legislation that prohibits school boards from removing books from school libraries solely because they are religious.
House Bill 1085, sponsored by State Representative Greg Martin, protects religious freedom provided by the First Amendment by requiring schools to maintain religious materials in their libraries.
“This bill reaffirms Tennessee’s commitment to protecting religious beliefs in line with the First Amendment,” Rep.
Martin said. “It ensures that the fundamental right to religious freedom is upheld in the state.”
A 2021 survey by the Becket Fund found that 83 percent of people believe the freedom to express or share religious beliefs is an essential part of religious freedom, officials said.
The legislation guarantees equal access to religious content in schools.
House Bill 1085 now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.