Creationism advocate eyes 'truth in ed'

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The lead sponsor of last year's effort to allow the teaching of creationism in Indiana schools is altering his efforts this year in favor of a "truth in education" measure.

Senate Education Committee chairman Dennis Kruse says the proposal would encourage students to question a broad range of topics in the classroom. Lawmakers approved such a measure over the governor's objections in Tennessee, where that has translated into questioning evolution.

Kruse led an effort during the 2012 session to allow teaching of creationism in Indiana's public schools. He said Tuesday the new proposal doesn't specify that religion should be taught or evolution questioned.

Opponents of the creationism proposal last session amended it to incorporated origin-of-life theories from multiple religions. House Speaker Brian Bosma shelved the bill, saying it appeared unconstitutional.