Three Houston mothers have filed a lawsuit in Harris County to block Texas Senate Bill 10, a law mandating Ten Commandments displays in public school classrooms, citing violations of state religious freedom and parental rights laws.
The Texas Board of Education approved mandated reading lists for public schools that include Bible passages, starting in 2030. This move by the Republican-dominated board aims to infuse conservative and religious ideals into the education system, drawing criticism for potentially violating the separation of church and state.
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 9-8 that Texas can require the Ten Commandments displayed in public schools, reversing a lower court block. The conservative-leaning court rejected arguments that the requirement amounts to religious indoctrination, stating no child is made to recite or believe them. The ruling boosts similar laws in Louisiana, Arkansas, and Alabama. The ACLU vowed to appeal to the Supreme Court, arguing the decision tramples First Amendment rights.
A federal appeals court ruled 9-8 that Texas can require the Ten Commandments displayed in public schools, reversing a lower court decision that had blocked the law. The conservative-leaning 5th Circuit rejected arguments that the requirement amounts to government religious indoctrination, stating no student is forced to recite or believe the Commandments. The ACLU plans to appeal to the Supreme Court. Similar laws have passed in Louisiana, Arkansas and Alabama.
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 on Tuesday that Texas can require the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public school classrooms under SB10. The 120-page decision said the mandate does not impose on students' or parents' consciences and does not violate the Establishment Clause. The ACLU, which challenged the law along with families of diverse faiths, called the ruling contrary to First Amendment principles and Supreme Court precedent.
