A Republican-backed bill that would permit teachers at public K-12 schools and educators at state universities to discuss the historical, positive impact of religion on American history passed the Ohio House along party lines last month. House Bill 486 is known as the Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act, named for the conservative Christian commentator who was assassinated at an event at Utah Valley University in September.

And the bill got strong reactions in House committee hearings before the floor vote.

On the proponent side, Ohio College Republican Foundation chair Gabe Guidarini said the bill doesn’t force religion on students, but allows teachers to acknowledge Christianity’s influence in the founding of the US without fear of legal backlash.

"This bill does not impose a belief

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