A federal appeals court said on June 20 that Louisiana violated the Constitution by requiring public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments.
The law, known as House Bill 71, mandated that public schools in the state display a framed document or poster with the Ten Commandments in each classroom no later than Jan. 1, 2025. A group of parents sued, alleging violations of the First Amendment.
Part of the Fifth Circuit’s decision indicated that the display would infringe on parents’ right to direct the religious upbringing of their children.
Louisiana’s Legislature said the Ten Commandments are in accordance with the nation’s history. It added that the law “reflected the understanding of the founders of our nation with respect to the necessity of civic morality to a functional self-government.”
While the Fifth Circuit acknowledged that the Ten Commandments contained “basic principles that are part of a civilized society,” it also said “they come from religious texts and include commandments that have clear religious import.”
It added that “the district court has commanded Louisiana officials to extend the district court’s injunction by using Louisiana’s own voice to influence non-parties to the litigation.”
“With today’s ruling, the Fifth Circuit has held Louisiana accountable to a core constitutional promise: Public schools are not Sunday schools, and they must welcome all students, regardless of faith.”
According to the appeals court, a Ten Commandments display that meets Louisiana’s minimum requirements is “materially identical to the displays challenged in Stone.”
