A Texas bill requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public school classroom has advanced toward becoming law after the state’s House of Representatives approved it with an 82-46 vote. This comes after debates and failed amendments proposed by Democratic lawmakers, such as allowing individual districts to opt-in or displaying the commandments in various languages. Gov. Greg Abbott is expected to sign the bill, following a similar approval from the state Senate in March.
Supporters, like Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, argue the bill promotes a foundational moral compass akin to that of the nation’s founders. However, there are significant concerns regarding its constitutional viability, particularly since similar legislation in Louisiana faced legal challenges shortly after its passage.
The Texas bill mandates a “durable poster or framed copy” of the Ten Commandments to be displayed in classrooms starting in the 2025-26 school year, but does not specify enforcement measures for schools or teachers who may refuse compliance. Critics argue that the religious text could alienate non-Christian students, with state Rep. James Talarico suggesting that the legislation promotes an exclusionary message.
Additionally, the Texas House approved another bill to allow periods for prayer and reading of religious texts with parental consent. Critics, including the Texas Freedom Network, warn that such legislation may foster a divisive atmosphere in schools, undermining the principle of religious neutrality and potentially leading to increased bullying and exclusion of students with different beliefs. The implications of these bills may lead to further legal scrutiny, reminiscent of previous Supreme Court rulings on similar issues.
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