Louisiana Legislature Passes Bill Requiring Ten Commandments in Classrooms
BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana lawmakers have ignited controversy with a bill requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms. The legislation, passed by the Republican-controlled legislature, now awaits Governor Jeff Landry’s signature.
This move by Louisiana could be the first time a state mandates the Ten Commandments be displayed in all public schools. While other states have proposed similar legislation, none have been successful due to legal challenges. The core argument against such laws is that they violate the separation of church and state, a cornerstone principle of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. The First Amendment prohibits the government from establishing a state religion or favoring one religion over another. Opponents of the Louisiana bill argue that displaying the Ten Commandments in public schools constitutes an endorsement of religion by the state.
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Proponents, like Senator Jay Morris, argue the Ten Commandments hold historical significance and form the foundation of America’s legal system. However, opponents like Senator Royce Duplessis counter that the bill promotes religion in public schools and question why other historical documents aren’t included.
The legislation also allows, but doesn’t require, displaying the Mayflower Compact, Declaration of Independence, and Northwest Ordinance in K-12 schools.
Critics argue the focus should be on improving Louisiana’s education system, which consistently ranks low nationally.
If signed by the Governor, this law is expected to face legal battles due to potential violations of the First Amendment’s establishment clause.
