A Texas law that would require public schools to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms is making its way to Governor Abbott’s office. Senate Bill 10 passed in the House 88-49, despite Democrat attempts to amend it to include other religious texts. The law would require classrooms to display a 16-by-20-inch poster in every classroom. The law is similar to other laws in Arkansas and Louisiana, with Louisiana’s law being currently blocked as unconstitutional by a federal judge. If Governor Abbot signs the bill, it will be enacted for the 2025/26 school year. When Abbott was Attorney General for Texas in 2005, he successfully argued to maintain a Ten Commandments display on the Capitol grounds.

Shawn Carney, father of 8 and president of the pro-life group, 40 Days for Life, praised the bill. “This is great. The Ten Commandments are good. It’s basically the moral code for most people who have ever lived. No matter what their belief system, most people don’t believe we should steal, kill, or commit adultery,” he said. “It’s a beautiful thing. I’m proud to be a Texan where they’re supporting this, and it’s something that we need in the classrooms.” Rep. Candy Noble, who co-sponsored the bill, focused on the historicity of the Ten Commandments. “The focus of this bill is to look at what is historically important to our nation educationally and judicially,” she said.

The bill does have its critics, with the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, American Civil Liberties Union, Americans United for Separation of Church and State and Freedom From Religion Foundation stating they will sue the state over the bill if it passes. “S.B. 10 is blatantly unconstitutional,” the group stated. “We will be working with Texas public school families to prepare a lawsuit to stop this violation of students’ and parents’ First Amendment rights. S.B. 10 will co-opt the faith of millions of Texans and marginalize students and families who do not subscribe to the state’s favored scripture. We will not allow Texas lawmakers to divide communities along religious lines and attempt to turn public schools into Sunday schools. If Governor Abbott signs this measure into law, we will file suit to defend the fundamental religious freedom rights of all Texas students and parents.” Governor Abbott has indicated that he intends to sign the bill, potentially setting up a Constitutional battle.