Supreme Court Asked To Review Texas Ten Commandments Law
1 week ago
Civil rights advocates are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review a Texas law requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments, setting up a potential major test over religious expression in public classrooms.
More than two dozen Texas families, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union and other groups, filed the petition Monday. They argue the requirement violates the First Amendment by singling out religious scripture for display in public schools.
The law, signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, applies to a public school system serving roughly 5.5 million students. Ten Commandments posters began appearing in Texas classrooms nearly a year ago.
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the Texas law in April in a narrow 9-8 decision, clearing the way for the mandate to remain in effect. The appeals court also allowed a similar Louisiana law to move forward.
Similar Ten Commandments requirements have also been approved in Arkansas and Alabama, giving the Supreme Court an opportunity to establish a broader national standard governing religious displays in public schools.
Supporters have argued the Ten Commandments carry historical significance beyond religion, while opponents contend government-mandated displays improperly promote religious beliefs in public classrooms.
The Supreme Court has not yet announced whether it will hear the Texas challenge.
More than two dozen Texas families, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union and other groups, filed the petition Monday. They argue the requirement violates the First Amendment by singling out religious scripture for display in public schools.
The law, signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, applies to a public school system serving roughly 5.5 million students. Ten Commandments posters began appearing in Texas classrooms nearly a year ago.
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the Texas law in April in a narrow 9-8 decision, clearing the way for the mandate to remain in effect. The appeals court also allowed a similar Louisiana law to move forward.
Similar Ten Commandments requirements have also been approved in Arkansas and Alabama, giving the Supreme Court an opportunity to establish a broader national standard governing religious displays in public schools.
Supporters have argued the Ten Commandments carry historical significance beyond religion, while opponents contend government-mandated displays improperly promote religious beliefs in public classrooms.
The Supreme Court has not yet announced whether it will hear the Texas challenge.
