Nathan Deal orders Bibles be returned to rooms at Georgia's state parks

photo Nathan Deal
Arkansas-Florida Live Blog

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal today instructed the state's Department of Natural Resources to return Bibles to cabins and lodge rooms at state parks, according to a news release.

"Out of an abundance of caution to avoid potential litigation, the commissioner removed the Bibles from rooms - though they were still available on site - after a complaint from a visitor," Deal said in a statement. "The attorney general and I agree that the state is on firm legal footing as we move to return the Bibles to the rooms."

The governor said the Bibles are donated by outside groups, not paid for by the state.

"I do not believe that a Bible in a bedside table drawer constitutes a state establishment of religion," he said. "In fact, any religious group is free to donate literature."

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