PHOENIX — Three decades after lawmakers pushed teaching creationism in public schools, state senators are debating whether the father of the theory of evolution deserves to be honored.
On a 5-1 vote Monday, the Senate Committee on Natural Resources voted to designate Feb. 12 as International Darwin Day.
Sen. Andrew Sherwood, D-Tempe, acknowledged the resolution has no legal effect. But he said it is still important to recognize the importance of science and the role Charles Darwin played in advancing it.
His arguments were supported by Manfred Laubichler, a professor of theoretical biology and the history of biology at Arizona State University.
“Symbolic gestures matter a lot,” he told lawmakers.
As to why Darwin should be singled out, as opposed to any other scientist, Laubichler said Darwin’s discoveries continue to affect new discoveries and insights. And he said that any efforts to successfully battle the Zika virus are likely to be rooted in Darwin’s work.
Sen. David Farnsworth, R-Mesa, said he would have supported creating an Arizona Science Day. But this, he said, is quite different.
“When I was growing up in Mesa, I was taught in school the evolution theory that my ancestors came from monkeys,” Farnsworth said.
“Personally, I was offended by that theory, especially when you consider that I hold a deep-seated belief in creationism.”
He said it would be fairer to teach both evolution and creationism, both as theories.
Sen. Don Shooter, R-Yuma, had a different take on the issue.
“My personal belief is there’s no conflict between truth in religion and truth in science,” he said. “The conflicts come from false religion and false science.”
And Shooter said the measure makes sense.
“I think that Darwin did some pretty amazing observations and has contributed to science,” he said.
The measure needs approval of the Health and Human Services Committee if it is to get to the full Senate. But Sen. Nancy Barto, R-Phoenix, who chairs that panel, said Monday she has not decided whether she will give the bill a hearing.
