NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee's governor says he will let a law take effect April 20 that protects teachers who allow students to criticize evolution and other scientific theories, such as global warming.
Republic Gov. Bill Haslam had said previously he would probably sign the bill. But on Tuesday he said he would let the law take effect without his signature, adding he believes the legislation doesn't change scientific standards currently taught in Tennessee.
Supporters say the measure would help students think critically.
Tennessee was the state where the nation's first big legal battle over evolution was fought nearly 90 years ago.
Critics derided the legislation as the "monkey bill" for attacking evolution. The state held the famous Scopes "monkey trial" in 1925 in Dayton. In 1967, Tennessee's anti-evolution law was revoked.
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