A federal appeals court has ruled that Louisiana’s law requiring the Ten Commandments to be posted in all public school classrooms is unconstitutional. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a prior district court ruling that the law violates the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause, which prohibits government endorsement of religion.
A Win for Civil Liberties Groups
Civil liberties organizations, including Americans United for Separation of Church and State, celebrated the decision as a protection of religious freedom. Plaintiffs in the case, parents of students from diverse religious backgrounds, argued that the displays alienated non-Christian students. Advocates contended the mandate imposed a specific religious view in public institutions meant to serve all students equally.
Law’s Supporters Cite Historical Value
Supporters of the law, including Louisiana Republicans and former President Donald Trump, claim the Ten Commandments represent a foundational element of American legal history. They argue the posters are not solely religious, but also historical in nature. Governor Jeff Landry signed the mandate into law in June 2024 as part of broader conservative efforts to reintroduce religious symbols into public life.
Legal Dispute Over Scope of Ruling
There is disagreement over the ruling’s reach. Liz Hayes, spokesperson for Americans United, asserted that the ruling applies statewide. “All school districts must abide by this decision and should not post the Ten Commandments,” Hayes said. However, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill believes the decision only binds school districts in the five parishes involved in the lawsuit. Murrill announced plans to appeal the ruling.
Supreme Court Challenge Expected
The ruling follows established precedent. The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a similar Kentucky law in 1980 and another in 2005. Legal experts expect this case could reach the high court, where a conservative majority may reassess how religious displays interact with constitutional limits. The outcome could shape future interpretations of religious expression in public education.
Source:
Court blocks Louisiana law requiring schools to post Ten Commandments in classrooms
Photo by Sean Foster on Unsplash
About Post Author
