Reports the Philadelphia Inquirer:

In a far-reaching decision, Judge John E. Jones 3d concluded that intelligent design is not science.

"In making this determination, we have addressed the seminal question of whether ID is science," Jones wrote. "We have concluded that it is not, and moreover that ID cannot uncouple itself from its creationist, and thus religious, antecedents."

He scolded the board's majority for requiring teachers to read a statement to high school biology students that noted "gaps" in Darwin's theory of evolution and directed them to a book on intelligent design in the school library.

"The breathtaking inanity of the board's decision is evident when considered against the factual backdrop which has now been fully revealed through this trial," Jones said in a 139-page decision. "The students, parents, and teachers of the Dover Area School District deserved better than to be dragged into this legal maelstrom, with its resulting utter waste of monetary and personal resources." ...

Americans United for Separation of Church and State, which along with the ACLU filed the suit on behalf of 11 parents, called the ruling is a blow to fundamentalists' attempts to advance their religious agendas in public schools under the guise of science.

Congratulations to plaintiffs and attorneys in the case, and to the courageous judge, a Republican appointed by President Bush who may not be invited any time soon, one would imagine, for a stay in the Lincoln bedroom.

As the school district inevitably appeals, keep track of the proceedings through ACLU of Pennsylvania's blog, or those wanting more backgrund can check out this resource page on Kitzmiller v. Dover.