Ohio Bill to Know: Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act

Have you heard about Ohio HB 486, the “Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act”?

This bill is moving quickly through the Statehouse and may move again next week.

It would urge public schools and universities to teach about “the positive impacts of” Christianity on American society.

HB 486 openly focuses on promoting one religion over others.

In the original version of the bill, the word “Christianity” appeared several times. Republican legislators have recently replaced the word, “Christianity” with “Judeo-Christian values, ” but the bill’s intent remains obvious. No other religions are even mentioned.

Statehouse Republicans even added language to HB 486 to explain how it’s Constitutional — which means they know it likely isn’t. The bill declares that:

• “the teaching of the historical, positive impact of religion on American history is consistent with the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution”

• teaching about Christianity’s impact on American history and culture “is imperative to reducing” anti-Christian “hate and violence”

• teaching about Christianity’s impact on American history an culture “is factual and is not proselytization or a violation of the First Amendment”

The bill also lists several pages of examples of ways educators could provide pro-Christian instruction.

There are so many things wrong with this bill.

For example, a historically accurate education on Christianity would require students to learn about the religion’s negative impacts as well. For many years, Christianity was used to justify the slave labor necessary to physically build America. Think the bill sponsors would be pleased if teachers used their legislation to teach that fact??

Another problem? If the bill sponsors simply wanted to highlight the impacts of religion on US history and government, then this bill is completely unnecessary. Current Ohio Learning Standards for Social Studies already require students to study the influences and impacts of religion on American history, government, and policy.

HB 486 has already passed the Ohio House (click here to see who voted for it). Now it’s receiving hearings in the Senate Education Committee.

Want to help stop HB 486? Take these actions:

1.) Email Brenner@OhioSenate.gov and say, “please add me to the Senate Education Committee notice list.” You’ll start receiving emails any time the committee is going to meet!

2.) Tell Committee Chair Andrew Brenner not to give HB 486 any more hearings: (614) 466-8086 or Brenner@ohiosenate.gov

3.) Draft your testimony now — So you’re ready to submit it when the opponent testimony hearing is announced

4.) Tell your state senator that HB 486 just came over from the House. Tell them to HELP STOP this bill (Find your state senator by typing your address below this map)