Texas GOP platform calls for Bible courses in public schools and says abortion is 'homicide'

Delegates from the Republican party voted this weekend on a political platform that calls for the Bible to be taught in public schools and proclaims that "abortion is not healthcare, it is homicide," among other things, according to a report by the Texas Tribune.

Other proposals include declaring that gender-transition treatment for children constitutes "child abuse," bringing back previous names of military bases to "publicly honor the southern heroes" and gold and silver to be considered legal tender. It also demands that the federal government discloses "all pertinent information and knowledge" of UFOs.

The outlet clarified that the platform has been traditionally seen as a document showing the interest of the party's different factions. But as the party has veered to the right, so has the platform. The previous one included a referendum on state secession, a proclamation that "homosexuality is an abnormal lifestyle choice," and a declaration that President Joe Biden didn't legitimately win the 2020 election.

The platform, which will be voted on Wednesday, also says that illegal immigration is "the greatest threat to American security and sovereignty" and calls for state and federal governments to devote all available resources to deporting undocumented immigrants.

According to a recent report by USA Today, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has already spent $11 billion in his administration's Lone Star Operation, which takes unlawful immigrants apprehended in the state to mostly Democratic-led cities across the country.

Another passage of the platform calls for more Christian education and presence in public life, urging the Board of Education to "require instruction on the Bible, servant leadership and Christian self-governance." It also supports the presence of religious chaplains in school, a measure passed last year by the state legislature.

Florida also passed such a measure in April, allowing the presence of chaplains and "patriotic organizations" in public schools, as well as their distributions of "certain materials."

"Faith leaders and civic organizations are important additional resources for students who may be facing challenges or need to build community and camaraderie," said DeSantis. "I'm pleased to be able to expand the variety of options that students have at their disposal in school and we have no doubt that these options will enhance the experiences of our students."

The organizations authorized include Big Brothers-Big Sisters of America, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Girl and Boy Scouts of America, the Marine Corps League, Navy Seals Cadet Corps and Little League Baseball. Moreover, volunteer chaplains will be allowed to provide support to students.

School districts will have to notify parents of the latter's presence, as well as their offered services and religious association. Students who take them up will need written parental consent.