A federal appeals court in New Orleans has put a hold on Louisiana's plan to require all public school classrooms to post the Ten Commandments. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the state's request to temporarily stay an earlier order by U.S. District Judge John deGravelles in Baton Rouge while litigation continues. Arguments before a 5th Circuit panel are scheduled for Jan. 23.
The state argues that the order only affects the five school districts named in the legal challenge, leaving uncertainty about enforcement in the state's other 67 districts. The law, passed by the GOP-dominated Legislature, was deemed unconstitutional by deGravelles for being overtly religious and coercive towards students.
Republican Gov. Jeff Landry signed the bill into law in June, prompting a lawsuit by a group of Louisiana public school parents from various faiths. They claim the law violates the First Amendment by promoting a specific religion and potentially isolating non-Christian students.
Proponents argue that the Ten Commandments have historical significance in U.S. law and are not solely religious. Louisiana Attorney General Elizabeth Murrill maintains that the law is constitutional under Supreme Court precedents.
Last week, a 5th Circuit panel temporarily blocked instructions for all school districts to be notified of the law's unconstitutionality. However, this block was lifted with Wednesday's order, according to the Freedom From Religion Foundation.
Similar bills in other states, including Texas, Oklahoma, and Utah, have been proposed but not passed. The Supreme Court previously ruled a similar Kentucky law unconstitutional in 1980, citing its religious purpose without a secular justification.
