According to The Associated Press, the state Senate voted 19-8 to approve SB 1108, which "designates the Holy Bible as the official state book" because of its historical and cultural impact in Tennessee. Now Republican Gov. Bill Haslam, who said he opposes the bill, must decide whether to sign or veto the legislation.

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"The Bible is a book of history, but it is not a history book to be placed on the shelf," said Democratic Sen. Jeff Yarbro of Nashville, according to The Tennessean.

"The very founding of our nation – the very form of government that we have today – was put forth by men of faith, based on their faith, based on what they read in Holy Scripture," Roberts said, The Tennessean reports.

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Helen Gilbert places flowers on her brother Eurie Martin’s grave at Camp Spring Baptist Church in Sandersville. Her brother died eight years ago. Three former Washington County deputies are accused of causing his death and are set to stand trial Monday. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez