Salem, OR – A new bill has been introduced to the Oregon State Legislature that will allow Bibles to only be transported between a Christian’s home and their church. “This is just a common-sense Bible law,” said Democratic representative Alice Fither of Astoria. “We feel now is the time to get this law passed to ensure the safety of our citizens.”
House Bill HB 999-666 is primarily designed to stop Bible reading in public. “Frankly, reading the Bible quietly in public offends so many people and strikes fear into others. This is especially true in Eugene and Portland. We must stop this nonsense,” Fither said.
If passed, the bill would require Oregon citizens to register Bibles at their local police or county sheriff’s department. “We want to make this easy for our friends in the Christian community. Register and we won’t arrest you and your family,“ said co-sponsor of the bill Judas Smelt, D-Eugene.
The law will also require citizens to lock their Bibles in the trunk of their vehicles while transporting them. Children under the age of 18 will not be able to read or have the Bible read to them. Also, Bible applications on phones will be made illegal and must be deleted within 30 minutes of the bill’s passage. Any violations will result in a minimum 20 years in jail for both the offender and their immediate family members. “We love and cherish our Christian community. But we’re not messing around anymore with lax Bible laws. We mean business,” said Smelt.
Pastor Barb Lovely of the Salem Unitarian Church wasn’t upset by the new bill. “We don’t really believe in the Bible or the divinity of Jesus, for that matter. So this doesn’t affect my flock in any way. In fact we’ll be having our 41st Annual Bible-Burn Party this Wednesday,” Lovely said. “Come watch the Bibles burn and bring a friend. Just not a Christian friend.”
