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Bible to be Banned from Student Halls
THEY are one of the most familiar sights in hotels and guest rooms around the world. But Gideons Bibles are set to be removed from Edinburgh University halls of residence following protests from students that leaving them in their bedrooms is discriminatory.

For the first time, more than 2000 students arriving at the university next autumn are likely to find no bible waiting for them.

Student leaders insist it is an important step towards making sure people of all religions feel welcome on campus. There are more than 2000 bibles at the university's Pollock Halls campus, on the edge of Holyrood Park - one in each room. They are expected to be removed after a vote by the Edinburgh University Students Association (EUSA).

EUSA president Ruth Cameron, one of those behind the move, said removing the bibles was not intended to be anti-Christian. She pointed out there were students from more than 120 countries at the university who followed many different religions.

She said: "The student association firmly believes in the importance of ensuring that all students from all faiths feel at home in their university accommodation. We simply don't want to be seen promoting one religion over another. This is not about attacking Christianity, it's about respecting diversity." Students claimed leaving a bible in their rooms was "presumptuous" and offensive to different religions on campus.