Objective Drawing on a symbolic politics perspective, we analyze state‐level “anti‐evolution” legislative attempts between 2000 and 2012 to alter science curricula in the United States. Method We use structural equation modeling to examine whether interest groups, public opinion, government political climate, and science and engineering workforces mediate influence of the religious composition of a state on anti‐evolution legislation. Results State conservative Protestant adherence does influence anti‐evolution legislation efforts indirectly by increasing the influence of conservative Protestants in state GOP bodies. While a state's conservative Protestant adherence rate does increase anti‐evolution public opinion and the likelihood of anti‐evolution organizations being active in the state, these do not increase the likelihood of anti‐evolution legislation being considered by state governments. Conclusion The results suggest that anti‐evolution legislation activity is a ceremonial act on the part of politicians, which legitimates the values of conservative Protestants and generates political support.