Creationist bill, road kill
At the start of February we informed you about the New Mexico Creationism Bill for 2011. Fortunately for the citizens of that state, they have a very short legislative session, and this year’s adjournment date has now passed.
We were interested in HOUSE BILL 302, a fairly typical “academic freedom” bill designed to encourage creationism in science class. With this link to track the progress of House Bill 302, you can see that it went nowhere.
The bill was introduced by Representative Thomas A. Anderson – (R). As we posted here, New Mexico Creationism Bill in Trouble?, a controversy developed over whether the bill was Anderson’s handiwork or had been prepared by some local group of Discovery Institute puppets. It doesn’t matter, really; Anderson is a creationist and that says it all.
It’s easy to predict that if Anderson is back in the legislature the next time they’re in session he’ll attempt another creationism bill. People like that are incurable.
There are still some other states with such bills pending in their legislatures. We’re watching them.
Copyright © 2011. The Sensuous Curmudgeon. All rights reserved.
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Crossin’ the leg floor late last night
He shoulda looked left and he shoulda looked right
He didn’t see the legislative bar
The bill got squashed and there you are!
You got yer
Dead bill in the middle of the road
Dead bill in the middle of the road
You got yer dead bill in the middle of the road
Stinkin’ to high Heaven!
SC, before the beginning of next year’s legislative session you should make up a bingo card with the names of the top 24 ‘frequent submitters’ (i.e. the legislators who submit these creationist bills year afer year). Each time a bill is introduced, people mark that guy off on their card. When you get 5 in a row, you can post BINGO!
Haha, b-sharp!
As a resident of NM, I’m very glad to hear this news! It had a very small chance of being passed, and I’m very relieved that it’s now roadkill!
eric says:
Interesting idea.
It has been done* …
http://skeptico.blogs.com/skeptico/2007/09/bingo-creationi.html
… but it might be fun to do it again.
* comments at this link lead to still older examples.
Tomato Addict says: “It has been done”
That’s nice, but several years ago there was something called Critico (if I recall correctly) that was like a creationism game. I don’t think it’s online anywhere.
I’m going to predict that their efforts will fail in Missouri, Florida, and even Texas, because the wording on the Texas bill is insane. That just leaves Tennessee (and possibly the “religious viewpoints” bill in Oklahoma)…still worrisome.
James F says:
Victor says Oklahoma may be safe, which leaves only Tennessee. I’m still predicting that one has a good chance of passing.
What about Louisiana? Did that get killed too?
There’s nothing pending at the moment in Louisiana, SciTech. They passed their “academic freedom” bill in 2008, and Zack’s campaign to repeal it isn’t in the legislature yet.
Tomato Addict, that bingo link inspired me to resurrect (and revise) an oldie of mine from years ago. It’ll probably show up tomorrow.
Discovery Dominoes? Creationist Canasta?? Whatever it is, I look forward to it!
Curmy, as soon as I saw the word Bingo I knew you’d bring out the old standby. It’s been years.
Yes, Tundra Boy. The Creationist Troll’s Toolkit™ will make its appearance tomorrow.