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PHOENIX (AP) - A bill to make the Bible and its role in Western culture the subject of an elective high school course is headed to Gov. Jan Brewer.

The Senate approved the bill Thursday with a vote of 21-9. It previously was approved by the House.

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

Public schools across the country have generally avoided Bible courses, but hundreds offer such classes as electives. At least five other states have passed legislation similar to the Arizona proposal.

Republican Rep. Terri Proud of Tucson is the bill's sponsor. She has said students would benefit from the course because biblical references are everywhere.