Overwhelming majority vote in favour of removing Bibles from halls

Agnostics will now lobby the uni to remove Bibles from halls after the texts have been branded “inappropriate”.

A staggering 300 people voted to have the books – which are in every room on the bookshelf – taken out of accommodation, with only 175 saying they should stay.

More than double the minimum number voted to have the Bibles, donated by charity, removed, and now the Union will lobby the university.

Should religious text in halls be mandatory?

The motion was proposed by John David Morgan, who said: “They are inappropriate in a multicultural society.

“It could be offensive for some, and university should provide a safe space for students to explore and develop their beliefs in a neutral environment.”

Against the proposal, third year Computer Scientist Josh Tumath said: “The Bibles are just books donated by a charity, the Gideons, which receive quite a lot of donations each year to buy Bibles.

“It would be a shame if that money went to waste. They don’t cause any harm just sitting there.”

He added: “You don’t have to become a Christian as a result of looking at a Bible.

“Christians believe only God can give people the faith to believe in him.”

A part of British culture or offensive to others?

The vote has split opinion across campus.

Criminology and Applied Psychology second year David Jarman said: “I don’t believe it shouldn’t be forced on anyone.

“Bibles don’t really bother me, but I can see why someone might take offence.”

There was controversy over the Reddit-like system of voting too.

A third year, who asked to remain anonymous, added: “Arrows on the side? Showing the current results? Has no-one told them why that’s a terrible idea?”

After turnout almost doubled the required minimum 250 votes, the Union is now mandated to lobby the University to discuss changing the system, and conduct a “wide-ranging” survey with the support of the University.