State lawmaker plans bill to give different view on evolution

Wednesday, November 9th 2005, 4:30 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A state lawmaker says Oklahoma should join the growing national debate on whether school children should be exposed to different views on the origins of mankind.

Representative Thad Balkman of Norman says he thinks most Oklahomans believe students are best served if they are exposed to all viewpoints, including the intelligent design theory as well as evolution.

Balkman says he hasn't decided whether legislation he's planning will mandate or merely encourage school boards to allow the teaching of a concept other than evolution.

On Tuesday, the Kansas Board of Education adopted standards redefining the word "science" so it does not include only natural explanations of origins of life. Balkman says he plans to study the Kansas standards.