Supporters of “scientific creationism” in Caribou, Maine, got a second notice of rejection, this time at the polls, when voters defeated a referendum asking that creationism be taught in the city’s schools.
Terrence St. Peter, Caribou city manager, said supporters of creationism petitioned to have the referendum placed on the ballot after the local school board refused to include creationism theory as a curriculum requirement6alongside the theory of evolution. He said, however, that the school board would not have been obligated to reverse its earlier decision if the local referendum had been approved by voters because it is authorized by state law to set the curriculum.
Mr. St. Peter said the creationism referendum was pushed by a “small group of people,” and the issue never gained significant momentum. The vote was 891 to 587.