In a recent development, Louisiana public schools are now mandated to display the Ten Commandments in all classrooms, following the signing of the requirement into law by Republican Gov. Jeff Landry.
The legislation, known as House Bill 71 and approved by state lawmakers, specifies that a poster-size display of the Ten Commandments with easily readable font must be present in every classroom at schools receiving state funding, from kindergarten through university level.
Governor Landry expressed his support for the bill, calling it “one of (his) favorites” and emphasizing the importance of starting from the original law given by Moses and God.
However, opponents of the bill argue that requiring a religious text in all classrooms may violate the establishment clause of the US Constitution, which prohibits laws respecting an establishment of religion. Civil liberties groups have vowed to challenge the law in court, claiming it violates longstanding Supreme Court precedent and the First Amendment.
On the other hand, supporters of the law reference a recent US Supreme Court decision in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, which allowed more religious expression in public spaces. State Rep. Dodie Horton, the Republican author of the bill, defended the measure by stating that the inclusion of the Ten Commandments in classrooms would establish a moral code.
This controversial decision has sparked debates among individuals and organizations, each presenting their arguments for or against the mandate. The future implications of this law remain to be seen as it faces legal challenges and public scrutiny.
