Louisiana may require Ten Commandments in schools if governor approves bill.

Imagine walking into a classroom in Louisiana and seeing the words of the Ten Commandments displayed prominently on a poster for all to see. This could soon be a reality as Louisiana lawmakers passed a bill on Tuesday that aims to require all schools and colleges receiving public funding to display the commandments.

If Gov. Jeff Landry, a Republican, signs the bill into law, Louisiana will become the first state with such a requirement. The bill, introduced by GOP state Rep. Dodie Horton, specifies that the text of the Ten Commandments must be printed on a poster no smaller than 11 inches by 14 inches and must be the central focus of the poster.

While Louisiana is on the brink of making history with this legislation, other states like Texas, South Carolina, and Utah have also attempted to pass similar laws. These efforts were sparked by Supreme Court rulings that suggested a more lenient interpretation of the Constitution’s Establishment Clause, which prohibits state-sponsored religion.

The bill, known as HB 71, was given final approval in the state House with a 79-16 vote, with only Democrats voting against it. Sen. Royce Duplessis of the Democratic party expressed concerns over the legislation, stating that the teaching of the Ten Commandments should be left to religious institutions like churches.

Civil rights organizations have also spoken out against the bill, labeling it as unconstitutional. The American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Louisiana, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, the Freedom from Religion Foundation, and the Southern Poverty Law Center issued a joint statement condemning the legislation, arguing that it infringes on students’ and families’ right to religious freedom.

Despite these criticisms, Rep. Horton defended the bill by emphasizing the importance of moral values in education. She recounted her own experience of seeing the commandments displayed in her kindergarten classroom and how it shaped her understanding of God and his laws.

As Louisiana awaits Gov. Landry’s signature on the bill, the state braces for potential legal challenges based on First Amendment concerns. The debate over the separation of church and state continues to be a contentious issue, with supporters and opponents of the bill clashing over the role of religion in public education.

While the fate of HB 71 hangs in the balance, one thing remains clear – the Ten Commandments are more than just historical religious texts; they have become a symbol of moral guidance and values in the ongoing dialogue about the intersection of faith and public life.