Pennsylvania House Declares 2012 As Year of the Bible

On Tuesday, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives adopted House Resolution 535 by a unanimous vote of 193-0.  The Resolution (full text) provides in part:

That the House of Representatives declare 2012 as the "Year of the Bible" in Pennsylvania in recognition of both the formative influence of the Bible on our Commonwealth and nation and our national need to study and apply the teachings of the holy scriptures.

The Resolution begins with a number of "Whereas" clauses, such as one declaring that "the Bible, the word of God, has made a unique contribution in shaping the United States as a distinctive and blessed nation and people." The resolution was introduced as "noncontroversial" under House Rule 35. This permitted the resolution to be voted on within 2 days of being introduced and without first going to committee. The Examiner reports on passage of the resolution.