Civil liberties groups have filed a lawsuit to block Louisiana's new law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom. The law, signed by Republican Gov. Jeff Landry, requires all public K-12 classrooms and state-funded universities to display a poster-sized version of the Ten Commandments in large, easily readable font by next year.
Plaintiffs in the lawsuit include parents of Louisiana public school children with various religious backgrounds, represented by attorneys from the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, the Freedom From Religion Foundation, and the law firm Simpson, Thacher & Bartlett.
Opponents argue that the law violates the separation of church and state and could isolate non-Christian students. They claim that the display sends a message of religious favoritism and superiority. Proponents argue that the Ten Commandments have historical significance and are foundational documents of the state and national government.
The lawsuit seeks a court declaration that the law violates First Amendment clauses forbidding government establishment of religion and guaranteeing religious liberty. Defendants include state Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley, members of the state education board, and some local school boards.
While Louisiana Attorney General Elizabeth Murrill supports the law, civil liberties groups believe the case is covered by clear Supreme Court precedent. The controversial law, which must be implemented by the start of 2025, comes amid a new era of conservative leadership in Louisiana.
Similar laws in other states have faced legal challenges, with the U.S. Supreme Court ruling against such displays in certain contexts. The case has been allotted to U.S. District Judge John deGravelles, nominated by former President Barack Obama.
