A US federal judge has blocked a Texas law that mandated the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom, citing constitutional violations. This decision adds Texas to the list of states where similar mandates have been struck down recently.
Key Facts
- The injunction against Texas’s Senate Bill 10, which was set to take effect on September 1, was issued by US District Judge Fred Biery.
- This ruling aligns with recent decisions in Arkansas and Louisiana, where courts found such laws unconstitutional.
- Judge Biery’s decision is based on the First Amendment, which prohibits government establishment of religion.
- The decision specifically impacts 11 school districts in Texas, including those in Alamo Heights, Houston, Austin, Fort Bend, and Plano.
Background
Judge Fred Biery’s 55-page decision referenced the US Constitution’s First Amendment, emphasizing the separation of church and state. He expressed concerns about the passive displays of the Ten Commandments in classrooms potentially leading to religious discourse among students, which could infringe upon this separation. The judge illustrated his point by suggesting hypothetical student questions that could place teachers in difficult positions.
Timeline / What We Know
The law was challenged by several parents and represented by organizations such as the ACLU and Americans United for Separation of Church and State. Among the plaintiffs was Rabbi Mara Nathan from San Antonio, who argued that the specific version of the Ten Commandments to be displayed conflicted with Jewish teachings.
Official Reactions
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton defended the law, stating that the Ten Commandments are fundamental to US moral and legal heritage and should be displayed in educational settings. He announced plans to appeal the injunction. Judge Biery’s decision, while focused on legal and constitutional grounds, also included cultural references and personal anecdotes to underscore the broader implications of such mandates.
What’s Next
The case is likely headed to the Supreme Court, given the controversial nature of religious displays in public settings and the recent precedents set by the court. Another similar federal case involving Dallas area schools is already underway, indicating a continuing legal battle over the display of religious texts in public schools.