Bill urges Colo. school debates on creationism

Author: Associated Press
POSTED: 09:47 AM MST Feb 04, 2013    UPDATED: 06:24 PM MST Feb 04, 2013 
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. -

A republican proposal urging Colorado public schools and colleges to support debates on evolution and global warming failed to advance in the legislature.

The proposal sought to create a friendly environment for debates on what the bill sponsor called controversial science issues, such as evolution.

Democrats voted down the proposal in the House Education Committee.

The bill would've urged schools to support discussions relating to evolution, climate change and other topics.

"There are topics and discussions, and evolution may be one of them, that you kind of look at and some parents will say I want to talk to my kids about this topic at home.” Christy Mcgee, with School District 51, said.  “There are different belief systems and we have to respect that."

The Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education also opposed the bill, saying it would "muddy the waters" of science education.

Republican Rep. Stephen Humphrey says his goal was to open scientific debate, not dictate discussion on religious teachings.

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