The legislation, which would make Texas the largest state in the nation, impose a requirement similar to that which was signed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, is now up for legal challenge on Tuesday.
The lawsuit’s plaintiffs claim that the law would “require religious mandates, every single school day” for nearly six million students in Texas’s 9,100 public schools.
The lawsuit claimed that “this completely contradicts the fundamental principles of religious freedom” that underpin our country.
Additionally, it was noted that Texas public school students “follow various faiths and religions, or do not practice any religion at all.”
The right to practice a religion without the government’s interference is protected by the US Constitution.
The “separation of church and state” concept has also long been regarded as a fundamental principle in US law. Although the US Constitution does not specifically mention it, the US colonial era is where it is from.
The phrase was used by Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the nation, to address the Establishment Clause of the Constitution, which forbids the government from passing laws “regarding an establishment of religion.” Numerous Supreme Court decisions have also supported the idea.
A few conservative-controlled states have attempted to pass laws that incorporate elements of Christian religion with public education.
Louisiana became the first state in the US to require the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public schools in 2024. A federal appeals court ruled against the requirement last week.
A similar law was passed in Arkansas in April, according to various organizations’ claims.
The Ten Commandments are fundamental to American society, claim those who support those laws, have historical significance beyond their religious significance.
Candy Noble, a Texas bill sponsor, claimed that the requirement to present the Ten Commandments concerns “what is historically significant to our nation educationally and judicially.”
The Ten Commandments were written on two stone tablets by God on Mount Sinai and given to Moses in the biblical narrative. The instruction to spread the knowledge was then given to Moses.
The commandments include prohibitions against other gods, taking “the Lord’s name in vain,” and not following the Sabbath day, as well as rules like “Thou shall not kill” and “Thou shall not steal.”
Public schools are required to display a poster or framed copy of an English translation of the commandments, which should be no smaller than 16 by 20 inches or 41 by 51 centimeters.
However, translations and interpretations vary between different religions, languages, and homes of worship.
Numerous other organizations have pledged to challenge the law in the future. The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom From Religion Foundation are just a few of the organizations represented.
