By Alia ShoaibShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberThe Ohio House passed a bill named after the slain conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, which allows public schoolteachers to teach about the "positive impact of religion on American history," particularly Christianity.
The "Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act," also known as House Bill 486, was passed by Ohio's House 62-27 on November 19, with all Republicans voting for and all Democrats voting against.
Why It Matters
The bill emphasizes teaching religion in a positive light and has sparked debate over the role of faith in public education.
Supporters say it affirms teachers’ ability to discuss religion’s contributions to U.S. history, while critics argue it could present a one-sided view of the past.
What To Know
The bill, which was introduced by Republican state Representatives Gary Click and Michael Dovilla, formally affirms teachers’ rights to highlight positive influences of Christianity on U.S. history.
Click noted previously to NBC4 that the bill was named after Kirk because of his strong Christian faith, which Click said is "what he was killed for."
...House Bill 486 does not require schools to teach about religion positively, but reminds teachers they can do so if they choose. Ohio’s existing learning standards already cover Christianity and other religions without assigning positive or negative value.
The bill says it is imperative to include "an accurate and historical account of the influence of Judeo-Christian values on the freedom and liberties ingrained in our culture."
The bill provides pages of specific examples of how teachers could incorporate lessons on the positive influence of religion on American history.
Critics argue the bill promotes an overly positive view of Christianity in U.S. history, and that it ignores the Constitution’s separation of church and state.
Mackenzie Doyle, justice promoter for the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, expressed concern that the examples of teachings in the bill omit key historical context and ignore negative impacts of religion.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation called it "propaganda," arguing it ignores the Constitution’s separation of church and state.
Proponents have countered that the bill does not change existing standards but instead clarifies that teachers may highlight positive religious influences without violating the First Amendment.
What People Are Saying
Republican Ohio state Representative Click Gary said in a press release: "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."
Republican Ohio state Representative Michael Dovilla said in a press release: "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."
The Freedom From Religion Foundation Action Fund Senior Policy Counsel Ryan Jayne previously said in a statement: "This bill is not history. It’s propaganda," adding: "Ohio legislators are trying to pressure schools to present Christianity as the foundation of American freedom—when, in reality, our Constitution was revolutionary precisely because it separated religion from government."
Mackenzie Doyle, justice promoter for the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, said: "My other concern is that, as a Christian myself, that this presents students with only one half of the story," adding: "For instance, it ignores how Christianity was used to uphold slavery."
What Happens Next
The bill is now heading to the state Senate for consideration, which is also controlled by Republicans.
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