Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott ruled that unless 15 students register for a class on the Bible, individual school districts can feel free not to offer the course without fear of reprimand from the state, the Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram said Friday.

A state law was passed in 2007 that allows public schools throughout Texas to offer elective Bible classes but there has been debate over how such courses should be approached.

The implementation of academic standards for the Bible courses was approved this year by the State Board of Education but critics say such standards could lead to random interpretations of the materials.

Board member Pat Hardy defended the board's 10-5 vote, telling the Star-Telegram, the ruling will give teachers firm "parameters."

"What I think is dangerous is to leave something open to be whatever you want it to be," the former teacher said. "I think a teacher would want parameters to fall back on."