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Sen. Hob Bryan, D-Amory (AP)
The debate began when Sen. Hob Bryan, a Democrat from Amory, offered an amendment that would have removed language saying the Old Testament acts as a deed and Israel does not occupy the land of other countries. Bryan says that language establishes Israel's borders and it's not Mississippi's responsibility to define international boundaries.
The amendment was defeated and Senate Concurrent Resolution 562 was adopted 28-7. Many of the 52 senators abstained from voting.
Some said voters didn't elect them to spend time debating Middle Eastern borders.
Sen. Angela Hill, a Republican from Picayune, says the resolution could allow schools to use the Old Testament as a historical document.