Atheist Invokes Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Cites ‘Wokeness’ in Quest to Ban Bible From Public Schools By Billy Hallowell for Faith Wire
A Florida atheist is making headlines for demanding the immediate removal of the “Bible from the classroom, library, and any instructional material.”
Chaz Stevens, a well-known activist, sent his appeal to ban the Bible and any texts referencing it to superintendents across the Sunshine State, according to Georgia Public Broadcasting.
He is embarking on his pursuit as other books like “50 Shades of Grey” face scrutiny, with Florida parents wondering whether these texts are dangerous — or at the least inappropriate — for children.
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“Let’s be honest — banning books is never a good idea,” Stevens wrote in a letter to Leon County Schools Superintendent Rocky Hanna. “But what’s fair is fair, and, with that in mind, please find attached my request to ban the Bible.”
This might seem like a strange proposition, especially considering Stevens’ claim banning books “is never a good idea.” But the 57-year-old activist is basing his opposition on H.B. 1467, a bill signed into law last month by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R).
The legislation, which goes into effect July 1, “requires school districts to be transparent in the selection of instructional materials, including library and reading materials.” Parents can contest books and materials they deem inappropriate.
Stevens, “a political stunt activist” who calls himself a bishop with the First Church of Mars, seized upon the newfound law to resist the Bible’s presence in public schools. He told the Miami New Times he knows it’s a “long shot,” but is hopeful officials will apply their own standards to the Bible and ban it.
“My objection to the Bible being in your public schools is based on the following seven points, offered for your learned consideration,” Stevens wrote to superintendents, questioning whether the Bible’s mentions of adultery, sexual immorality, murder, and other issues are appropriate.
