Federal judge blocks Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law, sparking heated debate over religious expression in public schools.
At a Glance
- Federal judge temporarily blocks Louisiana law requiring Ten Commandments display in public schools
- Law deemed unconstitutional, violating First Amendment’s free exercise and establishment clauses
- Louisiana Attorney General plans to appeal, claiming ruling applies only to five school districts
- Case highlights ongoing tension between religious expression and separation of church and state
- Potential for case to reach U.S. Supreme Court, which previously ruled against similar laws
Judge Strikes Down Controversial Law
In a decisive blow to conservative efforts to integrate religious symbols into public education, U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles has temporarily blocked a Louisiana law that would have required public schools to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms. The ruling, which declared the law “unconstitutional on its face and in every application,” has ignited a firestorm of debate over the role of religious expression in state-run institutions.
The law, signed by Governor Jeff Landry as part of a broader conservative agenda, mandated the display of the Ten Commandments in all public K-12 classrooms and state-funded universities by January 1, 2025. This move was seen by supporters as a reinstatement of historical and cultural values, while opponents argued it was a clear violation of the separation of church and state.
Louisiana’s plan to make all of the state’s public school classrooms post the Ten Commandments remains blocked under an order Wednesday by a federal appeals court in New Orleans. https://t.co/TD1X9ySnzE
— PBS News (@NewsHour) November 20, 2024
Constitutional Concerns Take Center Stage
The ACLU and other organizations representing parents of various religious backgrounds swiftly challenged the law, arguing that it infringes upon First Amendment rights and discriminates against non-Christian students. The preliminary injunction issued by Judge deGravelles follows this lawsuit, effectively pausing the implementation of the law while litigation continues.
Legal experts and plaintiffs have argued that the Ten Commandments are not central to U.S. government foundations and that the Founding Fathers supported church-state separation. This stance directly challenges the assertions made by the law’s proponents, who claim historical and cultural significance for the religious text.
State Officials Push Back
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has vowed to appeal the decision, maintaining that the ruling only applies to the five school districts named in the lawsuit. This interpretation, however, contradicts the judge’s broader declaration of unconstitutionality.
“We strongly disagree with the court’s decision and will immediately appeal, as HB 71’s implementation deadline is approaching on January 1, 2025,” said Murrill.
In an attempt to salvage the law, Murrill and Governor Landry have proposed educational posters with historical context to justify its constitutionality. This move reflects a broader strategy to frame the Ten Commandments display as a cultural and historical artifact rather than a purely religious symbol.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The Louisiana case is not an isolated incident. Similar legal challenges are unfolding in Oklahoma, highlighting a growing trend of conservative-led initiatives to integrate religious content into public education. These efforts are consistently met with resistance from civil liberties groups and concerned parents who view them as unconstitutional attempts to blur the line between church and state.
