Louisiana is poised to become the first state in the nation to mandate the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms, sparking heated debate over the separation of church and state. The bill, introduced by Republican State Representative Dodie Horton, has cleared both legislative chambers and now awaits final approval from the House due to recent amendments before heading to Governor Jeff Landry’s desk.
The legislation requires that the Ten Commandments be prominently displayed in every public K-12 classroom and higher education institution. Proponents argue that the Ten Commandments are a historical document essential to the foundation of the U.S. legal system and can provide moral guidance to students. GOP state Sen. Jay Morris emphasized its historical significance rather than a purely religious context.
🔥🚨BREAKING NEWS: Louisiana just became the 1st U.S. state to require the Ten Commandments be posted in classrooms. pic.twitter.com/aGtfEehxsj
— Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives (@dom_lucre) June 19, 2024
However, opponents warn that this move blatantly violates the First Amendment's establishment clause, which prohibits laws respecting the establishment of religion. This concern harks back to a 1980 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down a similar law in Kentucky, deeming it unconstitutional.
Critics argue that the bill, despite claims of promoting historical awareness, implicitly endorses a particular religious viewpoint. Democratic state Sen. Royce Duplessis highlighted that teaching moral values and religious principles should be the domain of families and religious institutions, not public schools. He stressed the need to focus on improving literacy and educational outcomes rather than engaging in potentially divisive legislative battles.
Louisiana’s 10 Commandments law is great, and to be clear, is completely constitutional.
For one thing, contrary to the wrongly decided Everson, states can have establishments under our constitution.
For another thing, posting religious symbols like the 10 commandments, a… pic.twitter.com/pIhrDxAYez
— Joshua Abbotoy 🇺🇸 (@Byzness) June 20, 2024
The bill also permits, though does not require, the display of other historical documents such as the Mayflower Compact and the Declaration of Independence in classrooms. Yet, the focus remains sharply on the Ten Commandments, leading to concerns about the precedence of religious over secular education.
Legal challenges are anticipated if the bill becomes law. This potential for court battles has not deterred the bill’s supporters, who are emboldened by a 2022 Supreme Court decision favoring a high school coach fired for praying on the field, which they interpret as a broader acceptance of religious expressions in public institutions.
The legislative effort comes amidst broader cultural and political conflicts over the role of religion in public life and education. Louisiana, situated in the deeply religious Bible Belt, often sees such measures gaining significant support among its predominantly conservative population. The debate encapsulates a broader national conversation on religious freedom and state endorsement of religious symbols.
As the bill heads back to the House for final approval, both supporters and critics prepare for what could be a landmark legal showdown, potentially setting a precedent for similar measures in other states. If Governor Landry signs the bill, Louisiana will not only set a historic precedent but also ignite a nationwide debate on the intersection of faith and public education.
