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PHOENIX - The Arizona House has approved a bill to create an elective high school course about the Bible and its role in Western culture.

The House's 42-15 vote Tuesday sends the bill to the Senate. The House earlier rejected an attempt to expand the bill to allow course credit for teachings about scriptures of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The bill directs the state Board of Education to design a course that schools could offer as an elective if they choose.

Republican Rep. Terri Proud of Tucson is the bill's sponsor.

Proud says students would benefit from the course because biblical references are everywhere. She says the course would not be forced on schools or students.

Critics said the legislation could be unconstitutional.