School district classrooms in Texas can't display the Ten Commandments, as decided by a judge
In a significant ruling, a U.S. District Judge in San Antonio has temporarily halted Texas from mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools in Houston, Austin, and select other districts. The judge, Fred Biery, declared that the requirement violates the First Amendment's separation of church and state and the right to free religious exercise.
This decision marks the third instance where recent laws about putting the Ten Commandments in schools have been blocked by a court. The legal battle is expected to eventually go before the U.S. Supreme Court.
A group of families from the affected school districts sought a preliminary injunction against the law, which goes into effect on Sept. 1. The families are represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom from Religion Foundation.
The families, who come from various religious backgrounds including Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Unitarian Universalist, and non-religious, argue that the requirement infringes upon their religious freedoms. They are joined by clergy members who share their concerns.
In a statement, Tommy Buser-Clancy, senior staff attorney at the ACLU of Texas, said, "This ruling protects the constitutional right to religious freedom for Texas families of all backgrounds."
Meanwhile, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced plans to appeal the ruling, calling it "flawed."
Interestingly, a similar law in Louisiana was also recently blocked by a federal appeals court. In Louisiana, a panel of three appellate judges ruled that the law mandating the Ten Commandments be displayed in classrooms is unconstitutional.
The ruling in Texas covers specific school districts, not the entire state. However, other districts in Arkansas have also decided not to put up the posters, following a judge's order in another case.
Texas is the largest state to attempt such a requirement. The ruling prohibits the 11 districts and their affiliates from posting the displays required under the state law. The legal battle continues, with both sides preparing for potential appeals and further court proceedings.
