A new bill, House Bill 71, has passed in the Louisiana state House of Representatives with a 79-16 vote and is now awaiting approval from Republican Governor Jeff Landry. If signed into law, this bill would mandate that all classrooms in schools receiving state funding, from kindergarten through university level, display the Ten Commandments on a poster or framed document measuring at least eleven inches by fourteen inches. The text of the Ten Commandments must be the central focus of the display and printed in a large, easily readable font.
Republican state Rep. Dodie Horton, the sponsor of the bill, argues that the display of the Ten Commandments is rooted in legal history and would provide a moral code in the classroom. However, opponents, including Democrats and various civil liberties organizations, have raised concerns that such a requirement could violate the establishment clause of the US Constitution, which prohibits the government from establishing a religion.
Supporters of the bill have cited a recent US Supreme Court decision, Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, which ruled in favor of a high school football coach's right to engage in private prayer on the field. This decision has been interpreted as potentially allowing more religious expression in public spaces, including schools.
Despite the bill's passage, legal challenges are expected if it becomes law. Organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union and Americans United for Separation of Church and State have expressed deep concerns about the legislation, arguing that it infringes on students' and families' fundamental right to religious freedom.
In a joint statement, these organizations emphasized that public schools should not be used to promote religious scripture and that students of all faiths, or no faith, should feel welcome in educational environments. They are urging Governor Landry to veto the bill and prevent what they view as an unconstitutional mandate.
