BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A North Dakota lawmaker is sponsoring a bill that would require schools to offer classes on the Bible.The American Civil Liberties Union’s North Dakota chapter says the measure championed by Republican Sen. Oley Larsen is “blatantly unconstitutional” and would likely lead to litigation if approved by the Legislature.

Larsen, a former teacher from Minot, tells The Associated Press that a Bible class would count toward students’ social studies requirements.

Larsen says schools would have to offer curriculum that covers the Old Testament, the New Testament or a combination of the two. But he says students would not have to take it.

Larsen says the aim of his legislation is not religious but is to make students aware of Bible history.

A hearing on the measure has not been scheduled.