Texas Enacts Ten Commandments Display Law Amid Louisiana Court Ruling
Texas has passed a law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms, contrasting with a recent federal court ruling in Louisiana.
Appeals court strikes down Louisiana Ten Commandments law
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Overview
- Texas has enacted a law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms, signed by Governor Greg Abbott.
- The law emphasizes the importance of the Ten Commandments in the U.S. judicial and educational systems.
- Opponents, including various faith leaders, argue that this requirement infringes on religious freedom.
- This new law follows a federal appeals court ruling that struck down a similar law in Louisiana as unconstitutional.
- Legal experts suggest that the contrasting rulings could lead to further legal challenges, potentially reaching the U.S. Supreme Court.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the Texas law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools as a significant political move, highlighting both support and opposition. They emphasize the law's passage in a Republican-controlled legislature while noting concerns about religious freedom, reflecting a tension between tradition and inclusivity.
"Texas will require all public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments under a new law that will make the state the nation’s largest to attempt to impose such a mandate."
ABC News"The Texas measure easily passed in the Republican-controlled state House and Senate in the legislative session that ended June 2."
Associated Press"This is a resounding victory for the separation of church and state and public education."
ABC News"The ruling on Friday marked a major win for civil liberties groups who say the mandate violates the separation of church and state, and that the poster-sized displays would isolate students — especially those who are not Christian."
CBS News"A federal appeals court on Friday ruled unanimously in favor of a coalition of Louisiana parents who sued to block a state law that requires public schools and colleges to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms."
NBC News"This is a resounding victory for the separation of church and state and public education."
Associated PressArticles (12)
FAQ
The new Texas law requires that every public school classroom display a poster of the Ten Commandments, sized at least 16 by 20 inches, with only the text provided in the law and no other similar posters allowed.
The Texas law mandates displaying the Ten Commandments in classrooms, while a federal appeals court recently struck down a similar Louisiana law as unconstitutional, highlighting contrasting legal approaches between the two states.
Opponents, including various faith leaders, argue that requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms infringes on religious freedom and violates the constitutional separation of church and state.
Legal experts suggest that the Texas law may face further legal challenges due to the contrasting rulings on similar laws and could eventually lead to cases being reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court.
The law applies beginning with the 2025-2026 school year and took effect immediately upon receiving the necessary two-thirds vote in the Texas Legislature; otherwise, it would have taken effect on September 1, 2025.
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