Texas To Require All Public School Classrooms To Display The Ten Commandments

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has a new piece of legislation on his desk just waiting for his signature. And all indications are, he will probably sign it and it will have an impact on every public school classroom in Texas.

Texas lawmakers have approved legislation that would, if signed into law, have a copy of the Ten Commandments in each public school classroom in Texas.

The Ten Commandments Inside School Classrooms in Texas

Texas is not the first state to pass a law requiring the Ten Commandments be posted in classrooms in the state. Louisiana actually passed a law similar to Texas' about a year ago. A much like Louisiana, Texas lawmakers expect lawsuits according to the Dallas Morning News.

So what does the law call for? According to the Dallas Morning News, Texas public schools will have to display a 16 by 20 framed or "durable poster" of the Ten Commandments in every classroom. Schools without enough displays must accept any donated posters that meet the requirements.

Supporters Point to The Supreme Court for Texas Law

According to the Dallas Morning News, supporters of the law say that it's legal to require the Ten Commandments due to a 2022 Supreme Court ruling.

Supporters have said a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court ruling cleared the way for the bill. In that case, the high court ruled that a public school football coach’s midfield prayer after games was protected by the First Amendment. That ruling also referenced a new “historical” standard to use when determining whether something violates the constitutional clause prohibiting the government from making laws “respecting an establishment of religion.”

 

Texas Democrats Opposed The Legislation

Texas Democrats in the House opposed the legislation and warned that this was the state endorsing one faith over others. Republicans argued that the Ten Commandments are foundational to America and our judicial and educational systems.