Abbott Signs Bill Into Law Requiring Ten Commandments in Public School Classrooms
Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently signed a bill into law that mandates all public school classrooms in the state to display the biblical Ten Commandments. This law, effective from September 1, requires classrooms to prominently feature a poster or framed English translation of the commandments that is at least 16-by-20 inches in size and easily readable from anywhere in the classroom.
With over 5.5 million students across more than 9,000 public schools in Texas, this move has sparked mixed reactions among supporters and opponents. Proponents argue that the Ten Commandments are integral to the foundation of the United States’ judicial and educational systems and should be displayed in classrooms.
State Representative Candy Noble, a Republican and co-sponsor of the bill, emphasized the historical significance of the commandments in shaping the nation’s educational and judicial values. However, some Christian and other faith leaders, along with opponents, believe that such measures infringe on religious freedom.
Notably, this bill, SB 10, was one of over 300 bills signed by Governor Abbott on June 20. Similar laws in states like Louisiana have faced legal challenges, with a federal appeals court ruling a comparable law unconstitutional. Arkansas also has a similar law awaiting a federal court challenge.
The American Civil Liberties Union has announced its intention to challenge the Texas law, citing a U.S. Supreme Court precedent set in the Stone v. Graham case. In this landmark ruling, the Supreme Court declared a Kentucky statute mandating the posting of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms as unconstitutional, as it lacked a secular legislative purpose.
As the legal battle unfolds, it remains to be seen how the implementation of this law will impact the educational landscape in Texas and beyond. Stay tuned for updates as developments continue to unfold.
Original article source: The Epoch Times
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