Two Pennsylvania lawmakers lament their OK on Bible resolution

HARRISBURG - "I made a mistake."

Elected officials rarely utter those words. But that's what two veteran Philadelphia legislators said this week. Democrats Mark Cohen and Babette Josephs admitted that they hadn't read - at least not closely - a piece of legislation they had voted upon.

Thus they unwittingly voted for a resolution proclaiming 2012 the "Year of the Bible."

The measure, which passed the state House unanimously, has prompted outcry from civil libertarians, atheists, and critics of the legislature's work habits.

In short, a "noncontroversial" resolution has become controversial.

The one-page resolution recognizes the Bible's "formative influence" in the founding of the nation and the commonwealth. It suggests that as the nation "faces great challenges" as never before, there should be a recognition of a "national need to study and apply" scripture.

Cohen held a news conference to say he regretted his vote and blamed the fact that he was distracted by reelection efforts.

"I have no objections to the sentiments but I do object to it as an official government action," said Cohen, who filed a motion for the House to reconsider the resolution. "The red flags should have gone off and they didn't. This clearly crosses the line."

Josephs joined him to issue a similar mea culpa.

Since it was given a "noncontroversial" status by House Speaker Sam Smith (R., Jefferson), the resolution - like many that recognize prominent Pennsylvanians, celebrate local history, or name bridges - did not go through the committee process that accompanies most legislation.

Instead it sailed through on a 193-0 vote on Jan. 24, a day after it was introduced.

Rep. Rick Saccone (R., Allegheny), the bill's sponsor, said religion is chiseled into the marble walls and painted across the ceilings of the Capitol.

"It's all around us," Saccone said in an interview during a voting session - and he quoted scripture on the walls of the House chamber: "And the truth shall set you free." (John 8:32)

"The founders turned to the Bible for inspiration whether you believe it or not," Saccone said. "It's got nothing to do with religion. You cannot deny the history."

His bill has raised the ire of groups that fight for separation of church and state - among them, the Concerned Atheist Tax Payers Organization of Pennsylvania and the ACLU.