The Ten Commandments must now be displayed in every public school’s classroom, from elementary to university, according to a new law that has been enacted in the US state, Louisiana.
The commandments were referred to in the Republican-backed legislation as “the foundational documents of our state and national government” and have been signed into law by Governor Jeff Landry on Wednesday.
The American Civil Liberties Union and other civil rights organizations are ready to challenge the law on the basis that it violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, which enshrines the separation of church and state.
The Establishment clause reads, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”
According to the new state law, a poster must have the commandments as “the central focus” of the display and the sacred text in “large, easily readable font” on an 11 by 14-inch (28 by 35.5-cm) poster.
In addition, a four-paragraph “context statement” stating how the commandments “were a prominent part of American public education for almost three centuries” would be be put in place next to it.
By 2025, the posters have to be up in all classrooms that are been funded by the state,however, the posters themselves are not being funded by the state.
Some Republican led states like Texas, Oklahoma, and Utah have also proposed legislation along similar borders.
Late on Wednesday night, the governor posted on his X account, and the post read, #LAGovJeffLandry, “We made good on our pledge to overhaul our educational system and restore common sense to the classroom.
“A strong education system leads to a strong economy and a strong state.
“Our historic Dream Big Package puts the focus back on our kids, and allows Louisiana to follow in the footsteps of our neighbors in the South.
“I am thankful to the legislature for their commitment to making the education system in Louisiana one that students, parents, and teachers can all be proud of.”
The Ten Commandments’ exhibition in public spaces including courts, police stations, and schools has given rise to countless legal debates.
MicheleMaybe, #michele4_t, an X user wrote on the platform, “What about a Muslim youngster in that classroom? perhaps a Buddhist? or atheist?
“This is completely illegal and an affront to our US Constitution. Thankfully you’re getting the snot sued out of you, as you should. We are NOT a Theocracy.”
Marjorie, #MTGsbigtoe, wrote, “You should keep your lifestyle choice of being a Christian to yourself. The Bible has no place in the classroom.”
#mrswhiskeykitty, said, “Vouchers will demolish our public schools. This is just a taxpayer bailout for failing religious schools with minimal oversight.”
In 1980,a comparable Kentucky statute demanding that the document be shown in elementary and high schools was dismissed by the US high court.
In a 5-4 vote, the high court stated that the requirement that the Ten Commandments be posted “had no secular legislative purpose” and was “plainly religious in nature”
The court noted that the Ten Commandments mentioned worshiping God, which included keeping the Sabbath day, in addition to crimes like killing and stealing.
