Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law for schools faces legal hurdles as federal courts battle over its constitutionality.
At a Glance
- A federal judge initially blocked Louisiana’s law requiring Ten Commandments displays in public schools
- The Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted a temporary stay, allowing implementation in most districts
- The law is currently blocked in five school districts involved in the lawsuit
- Opponents argue the law violates the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause
- The Louisiana Attorney General plans to appeal the initial ruling
Federal Judge’s Initial Ruling
U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles initially ruled that Louisiana’s law requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments violates the First Amendment’s free exercise and establishment clauses. The judge declared the law “unconstitutional on its face and in every application,” citing concerns over religious coercion and the separation of church and state.
The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by parents, represented by the ACLU and other organizations, who argued that the law infringes on constitutional rights. The decision was praised by various civil liberties groups as a protection of First Amendment rights and religious freedom.
Appeals Court Intervention
In a surprising turn of events, the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans issued an administrative stay, temporarily narrowing the scope of the initial ruling. This stay halted the requirement for state education officials to inform all 72 school districts of the law’s invalidation.
“The Fifth Circuit grants our motion to BLOCK the district court’s attempt to enjoin the Ten Commandments law statewide. I look forward to immediately working with all of our school boards who are not involved in this lawsuit to implement the law soon,” Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said.
As a result of this intervention, the law is now blocked only in the five school districts directly involved in the lawsuit. The remaining 67 districts may proceed with implementing the Ten Commandments displays, pending further legal developments.
Ongoing Debate and Legal Battle
The controversy surrounding the Ten Commandments law has ignited a heated debate about religious freedom and the role of religion in public education. Supporters of the law argue that it reinstates important historical and cultural values, while opponents contend that it violates the separation of church and state.
“As a parent, I would be excited to see the Ten Commandments posted on my student’s wall,” Nicole Hunt from Focus on the Family said.
On the other hand, critics of the law, including some educators, express concern about its impact on students of diverse religious backgrounds. Christopher Dier, a history teacher who filed a separate lawsuit against the law, stated, “If I had to put the Ten Commandments in my classroom, it would make me feel as if I’m a state agent, coercing students to follow one specific religion.”
