They proposed to have the 10 Commandments on display.
Louisiana lawmakers are close to passing House Bill 71, which mandates public schools to display the Ten Commandments despite concerns about its religious nature. The Louisiana Senate recently approved the bill with a 30-8 vote. The bill specifies that government-funded schools must exhibit the Ten Commandments in each building and classroom, with the text presented on a poster or framed document that is at least eleven by fourteen inches and printed in a large, readable font.
An amendment proposed by State Senator John Morris III allows schools to include other historical documents like the Mayflower Compact and the Declaration of Independence. This amendment requires the bill to be reconsidered by the state house of representatives before it can proceed to Governor Jeff Landry for final approval, as reported by KALB in Alexandria, Louisiana.
Supporters of the bill, such as State Senator Adam Bass, argue that the display of the Ten Commandments does not violate constitutional principles and highlight its historical significance. Bass noted that the Ten Commandments are already displayed in numerous public spaces, including the Supreme Court of the United States, emphasizing its foundational role in the country’s laws.
However, there is opposition from lawmakers like State Senator Royce Duplessis, who raised concerns about the constitutionality of the bill. Duplessis, a practicing Catholic, argued that religious teachings should be reserved for places of worship, not public schools. He emphasized that religious education should occur in Sunday school or church, not within the school system.
The bill, introduced by Rep. Dodie Horton in February, initially passed the Louisiana House with a significant majority. This legislative move follows last year’s law requiring public schools to display the national motto “In God We Trust” in all classrooms, which similarly had to be framed and meet specific size requirements.