A federal judge has halted a Louisiana law requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public schools, sparking debate over religious freedom and constitutional rights.
At a Glance
- U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles ruled the law unconstitutional
- The law required displaying the Ten Commandments in public K-12 classrooms and state-funded universities
- Louisiana Attorney General Elizabeth Murrill plans to appeal the decision
- The ruling prevents state education officials from enforcing the law
- Similar bills in other states have faced legal challenges
Judge Blocks Louisiana’s Ten Commandments Law
U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles has temporarily blocked a Louisiana law that would have required public schools to display the Ten Commandments.
How, exactly, is displaying the Ten Commandments a problem in America?
The judge ruled that the law violates the First Amendment’s free exercise and establishment clauses, declaring it “unconstitutional on its face and in every application.” This ruling prevents state education officials from enforcing the law and mandates notification to all local school boards about its unconstitutionality.
The law, signed by Governor Jeff Landry, was part of a broader conservative push to incorporate religion into classrooms. It required the Ten Commandments to be displayed prominently in public K-12 classrooms and state-funded universities, along with a context statement about their historical role in American education. Schools were not required to use public funds for the posters, which could be funded through donations.
Federal judge rules Louisiana law requiring Ten Commandments to be in all public schools unconstitutional https://t.co/SDfVRStqRP
— KSDK News (@ksdknews) November 13, 2024
Constitutional Concerns and Legal Challenges
The decision followed a preliminary injunction from a lawsuit filed by parents of public school students, represented by the ACLU and other organizations. The plaintiffs, who come from various religious backgrounds, argue that the law violates U.S. Supreme Court precedent and the Constitution.
The judge expressed concern that the law coerces religious observance and could alienate non-Christian students. U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles said that the idea was “unconstitutional on its face.”
He noted that no other key documents, like the Constitution or the Bill of Rights, are required for display in schools. This ruling aligns with a 1980 U.S. Supreme Court decision that found a similar Kentucky law unconstitutional.
State Response and Future Appeals
Louisiana Attorney General Elizabeth Murrill has announced plans to appeal the decision, arguing that it only applies to the five specific school boards involved in the lawsuit. The state’s GOP-dominated Legislature passed the law as part of a broader conservative effort to integrate religion into educational settings.
“We strongly disagree with the court’s decision and will immediately appeal, as HB 71’s implementation deadline is approaching on January 1, 2025,” Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said.
The controversy surrounding this law reflects a larger national debate on the role of religion in public education. Similar initiatives in states like Florida, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah have also faced legal challenges, highlighting the ongoing tension between religious expression and the constitutional separation of church and state.
As the legal battle continues, the outcome of this case could have significant implications for future attempts to introduce religious elements into public school settings across the country.
