In a significant move that has sparked both support and controversy, Texas lawmakers have advanced a bill that could see the Ten Commandments prominently displayed in every public school classroom across the state. The Texas House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 10 with an 82-46 vote, sending it back to the Senate for further consideration before it reaches Governor Greg Abbott’s desk for final approval.
Senate Bill 10 mandates that schools display a 16-by-20-inch poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments in a location visible to all students. The legislation allows schools to use private donations or district funds to acquire these displays. This initiative has been championed by Rep. Candy Noble, R-Lucas, who believes that the Ten Commandments are foundational to American education and societal values.
During the debate, Noble stated, "Nothing is more deeply rooted in the fabric of our American tradition of education than the Ten Commandments." The discussion lasted over two hours, highlighting the passionate feelings surrounding the bill. Supporters argue that it reinforces moral values, while critics express concerns about potential violations of religious freedom and the separation of church and state.
Opposition from some lawmakers has been vocal. State Reps. Vince Perez, D-El Paso, and Jon Rosenthal, D-Houston, raised alarms that a mandatory display of the Ten Commandments could infringe on the rights of students from diverse faith backgrounds. They proposed an amendment to include versions of the Ten Commandments from Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish traditions, which ultimately did not pass. Perez noted, "Posting religious texts without context doesn’t teach history. It risks promoting one religion over others, something our Constitution forbids."
Efforts to broaden the scope of religious displays to include other faiths, such as Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, also fell flat. Critics of the bill reference the 1980 Supreme Court ruling in Stone v. Graham, which struck down a similar law in Kentucky, citing violations of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. However, proponents of the Texas bill point to a more recent Supreme Court decision in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, which upheld a coach’s right to pray on the field, suggesting that the legal landscape may have shifted in favor of such displays.
The bill contains an amendment ensuring that the state attorney general will defend schools against any lawsuits arising from this new requirement, with taxpayers footing the legal bill. This aspect has raised eyebrows among critics who worry about the financial implications for Texas taxpayers.
As the bill awaits the governor’s signature, it has already drawn comparisons to a similar law in Louisiana that has faced legal challenges. The outcome in Texas could set a significant precedent for how religious expressions are handled in public schools across the country.
Governor Abbott’s expected approval of SB 10 could lead to a broader discussion on the role of religion in public education and the implications for students of varying beliefs. As this situation unfolds, many are left wondering how it will impact the educational environment in Texas and whether it will inspire similar legislation in other states.
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