Intelligent design bill draws attention

MADISON, Wis., Feb. 17 (UPI) -- The state bill that University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists helped draft is getting attention by proponents and opponents nationwide.

The bill would ban the teaching of intelligent design as science in the state's public schools, reported the Madison (Wis.) Capitol Times Friday.

"We think what we've introduced is just a standard for science education and we would like it adopted nationwide," said Alan Attie, a professor of biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, who helped draft the bill. He and the other University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists back the bill.

"We're trying to uphold standards for science education, but by no means do we want to stop discussion -- we've very interested in discussing this issue at length, but we want truth in labeling."

Religious conservatives such as James Dobson, of Focus on the Family, have been critical of bill. He is a supporter of having intelligent design, which says biology was shaped by an intelligent creator, being discussed in public schools.