Texas Set To Mandate Ten Commandments Posters
Texas lawmakers have approved a bill that would require every public school classroom in the state to display the Ten Commandments, pending the governor’s signature. The Texas House passed Senate Bill 10 with a notable majority, and the legislation now awaits final Senate approval before being sent to Governor Greg Abbott. The bill mandates a clearly visible poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments in each classroom, with the option for schools to fund these displays through private donations or district funds.
Supporters of the bill, including Rep. Candy Noble, argue that the Ten Commandments represent foundational values deeply embedded in American education and culture. They see the bill as a way to reinforce these traditional principles in schools. To protect schools from legal challenges related to the law, an amendment was added requiring the state attorney general to defend any lawsuits, with costs covered by taxpayers.
Opponents, including Democratic lawmakers, have raised concerns about the bill’s potential to infringe on religious diversity and parental rights. They argued that displaying only the Ten Commandments might promote one religious viewpoint over others, which could violate constitutional protections. Attempts to include versions of the Ten Commandments from Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish traditions, as well as displays from other faiths like Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, were rejected.
This legislation echoes a similar law passed in Louisiana that was blocked by courts due to constitutional issues. Critics reference previous Supreme Court rulings that prohibit government endorsement of specific religious texts in public schools. However, proponents believe recent court decisions support religious expression in public settings, strengthening the case for the bill’s legality.
The bill’s passage has sparked ongoing debate over the role of religion in public education and the boundaries of constitutional protections. With the legislation now headed to Governor Abbott, its final outcome will significantly influence how Texas public schools handle religious displays moving forward.