The Louisiana Attorney General is planning to challenge a recent decision by a federal appeals panel that has blocked a new law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms.
On Friday, a three-judge panel ruled that the law is unconstitutional and upheld a federal injunction that prevents its enforcement.
A judge noted, “Students will have to see the Ten Commandments displayed throughout their public school education without any option to opt out.”
In a statement to the press, Attorney General Liz Maril expressed her strong disagreement with the ruling.
“We will seek relief from the entire Fifth Circuit and, if needed, from the U.S. Supreme Court,” she mentioned, also contending that the ruling’s scope was too limited.
According to sources, Maril pointed out that the decision mainly affects five school districts where children of the plaintiffs attend: East Baton Rouge, Livingston, Orleans, St. Tammany, and Vernon.
This case taps into a national conversation over whether local federal judges have the authority to dictate laws for an entire state or even the nation.
Lawyers representing the plaintiffs argue that school districts in violation of federal rulings regarding unconstitutional state laws can face legal consequences.
“Every school district in Louisiana must comply with the U.S. Constitution,” said Liz Hayes, spokesperson for the organization advocating for the separation of church and state that represented the plaintiffs. “Thus, all districts are required to follow this ruling and should refrain from displaying the Ten Commandments in classrooms.”
Last year, a Republican-controlled Louisiana Congress passed the law, reigniting a longstanding debate over the role of religion in public life.
Opponents of the law claim it blurs the line between church and state, thereby infringing on the religious freedoms of non-believers.
Supporters, including figures like President Donald Trump and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, who signed the bill, argue it reflects the nation’s Judeo-Christian heritage and caters to public interest in historical awareness.
After the law was enacted, various public school parent groups filed lawsuits, asserting that the requirement infringed upon constitutional rights against government interference in religious matters.
“This is a significant win for the separation of church and state and public education,” stated Heather L. Weaver, a senior attorney with the ACLU. “Today’s ruling reinforces the constitutional obligations Louisiana must uphold. Public schools should serve all students, regardless of their religious beliefs.”
Reports indicated that the judicial panel was notably liberal, with two of the three judges being appointed by a Democratic president, a rarity in the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
