Ohio House passes ‘Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act’ allowing teaching of religion’s influence on U.S. history – WTVG

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTVG) – The Ohio House passed a bill named after conservative activist Charlie Kirk that would allow teachers to discuss the “positive impacts of religion on American history.”
The “Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act” passed the House in a 62-27 party-line vote.
The bill, which wouldn’t enact new regulations or mandates, affirms that the “teaching of the historical, positive impact of religion on American history is consistent with the First Amendment.”
The legislation permits educators to discuss specific religious influences on American history, from the pilgrims to the civil rights movement.
“Accurate historical instruction regarding verifiable, historical impacts of religion on American history is factual and is not proselytization or a violation of the First Amendment,” the bill says.
Kirk was shot at Utah Valley University in September while speaking to a crowd of supporters.
“Charlie was a committed Christian, whose life and work will serve as a testament to the power of conservative ideals combined with a legacy of faith for generations to come,” said the bill’s sponsor, State Rep. Gary Click (R-Tiffin), in a news release.
In his sponsor testimony, Click reiterated that the legislation doesn’t include new requirements for teachers.
“It simply removes the invisible shackles that often hinder a full and transparent teaching of American History,” Click said. “We are not inviting our instructors to teach doctrine or to proselytize. We are simply affirming for them the law as it already exists.”
The legislation applies to public schools, including school districts, community schools, STEM schools and college-preparatory boarding schools, as well as state institutions of higher education.
“It’s essential that we highlight the positive influence religion has had throughout our history – uniting communities, enriching our shared values, and safeguarding our First Amendment rights as Americans to speak and worship freely,” said State Rep. Mike Dovilla (R-Berea), the bill’s other main sponsor.
The bill offers several examples of what topics educators can discuss with their students, including the religious background of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, the history of “In God We Trust” as the national motto, and the influence of religion on the U.S. Constitution. Read more here.
Opponents of the bill include the ACLU of Ohio which said it is “at a minimum, unneeded.”
“Politicians leaning on schools and universities to teach their version of Christianity and religion is an idea rejected centuries ago, and for good reasons,” said ACLU of Ohio Legislative Director Gary Daniels.
House Bill 486 now heads to the Senate for consideration.
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