Gov. says Bibles will be returned to state lodges and cabins

ATLANTA - Bibles will be returned to the rooms at state-run lodges and cabins, according to Governor Nathan Deal.

At a meeting at the state capitol Wednesday morning, the governor told members of the media that the Bibles will be returned to the rooms "rather quickly."

Department of Natural Resources management had ordered the removal of Bibles after they said a park patron complained about having them in the rooms.

"Out of an abundance of caution to avoid potential litigation, the commissioner removed the Bibles from rooms," Deal said.

The Gideons traditionally place Bibles in guest rooms at no cost to the state.

Even though the Bibles had been removed from the rooms at the state facilities, they were available to guests upon request at park offices.

The governor said he and Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens believe the state is on firm legal ground to return the Bibles to rooms.

"These Bibles are donated by outside groups, not paid for by the state, and I do not believe that a Bible in a bedside table drawer constitutes a state establishment of religion. In fact, any religious group is free to donate literature." Deal said.