Creationist legislation could fail in Utah

Perhaps reality is catching up with the anti-science crowd. The NYT reports that an effort by Utah's state legislature to promote creationism in science classrooms just might be shot down by a bi-partisan effort. Although Mormons are consistently among the most conservative voting blocs in the nation (going something like 96% for Bush in 2000), they don't seem to have the same antagonism toward science that other staunchly conservative religious groups do. Nevertheless, a creationism bill that dies on the state level would be a good message for other states where legislators are trying to push religion into science classrooms.

The bill, which would require science teachers to offer a disclaimer when introducing lessons on evolution — namely, that not all scientists agree on the origins of life — has deeply divided lawmakers. Some leaders in both parties have announced their opposition to the bill, and most lawmakers say that with less than a month left in the legislative session, its fate remains a tossup.

One of the reasons why is State Representative Stephen H. Urquhart, a Republican from southern Utah whose job as majority whip is to line up votes in his party. Mr. Urquhart announced last week that he would vote against the bill.

"I don't think God has an argument with science," said Mr. Urquhart, who was a biology major in college and now practices law.

Mr. Urquhart says he objects to the bill in part because it raises questions about the validity of evolution, and in part because the measure threatens traditional religious belief by blurring the lines between faith and science. (. . .)

Advocacy groups who follow the battle over the teaching of evolution nationally say that what happens here could be important far beyond state borders.

"It's being watched very closely because of the very conservative nature of the state," said the Rev. Barry W. Lynn, the executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, based in Washington. "If the legislation is rejected in Utah, it would be a very strong signal that the issue should be avoided elsewhere."

Missouri's legislature is considering a bill requiring "critical analysis" in teaching evolution. An Indiana lawmaker has called evolution a type of religion and proposed a bill banning textbooks that contain "fraudulent information."

One of the most costly effects of this sort of legislation, and one that is rarely mentioned, is the cost to school districts of having the issue go to court. Typically, the reddest districts in red states are also among the poorest. And already-struggling schools take a big hit when they have to pay court costs only to have obviously unconstitutional legislation struck down. In short, creationists are taking money away from education and putting it in the pockets of attorneys. I guess that's one way to prevent science education.