A federal judge in Louisiana has blocked a recently passed law requiring schools in the state to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms. According to christian postU.S. District Judge John W. DeGravels issued a lengthy judgment. governance and order In the case of Darcy Rourke et al. v. Cade Brumley et al. The case centered on Louisiana's House Bill 71. signed into law This will require schools to display the Ten Commandments, also known as the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20 In the Bible. The law was scheduled to take effect on New Year's Day 2025.
“Plaintiffs have established a viable free exercise claim,” DeGravel wrote. “HB 71 is not religion-neutral. This is clear from the law's text, its effects, and the comments made by legislators before and after its passage.”
The judge also refuted the defendant's argument that the Ten Commandments were a historically essential part of public education in U.S. history.
“In summary, historical evidence shows that instances of the use of the Ten Commandments in public schools were so “scattered'' that at the time of the enactment or enforcement of the First Amendment, their use was “common. It was shown that there was no “convincing evidence” that the The Decalogue in Public School Education,” DeGravels added.
“That is, the evidence shows that the practice in question does not fit within or be consistent with the broader historical tradition of the period.”
The ruling was celebrated by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which represents nine Louisiana families with children attending the state's public schools.
Heather L. Weaver, chief counsel for the ACLU's Religion and Belief Freedom Program, said, “This ruling is an important decision for Louisiana lawmakers who are using public schools to convert children to their preferred version of Christianity.'' This should serve as a reality check for them.” statement.
“Public schools are not Sunday schools, and today's decision ensures that our clients' classrooms continue to be spaces where all students feel welcome, regardless of their faith.”
Signed by Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry HB71 The law would require public schools to display “certain historical documents” such as the Ten Commandments, the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence, and the Northwest Ordinance.
“Recognizing the historical role of the Ten Commandments is consistent with our nation's history and faithfully reflects our nation's Founders' understanding of the necessity of civic morality for functional self-government,” the bill reads. states.
“Including the Ten Commandments in our children's education is part of the history, culture and tradition of our state and nation.”
In response to the governor's ruling, the ACLU, Religious Freedom Foundation, and Americans United for the Separation of Church and State. file a lawsuit On behalf of a group of parents of various faiths.
”[F]”Nearly half a century later, it is well established that the First Amendment prohibits displaying the Ten Commandments in this manner in public schools,” the complaint states.
“Plaintiffs seek a declaratory judgment that the Act is unconstitutional and that Defendants (i) implement rules and regulations pursuant to the Act; (ii) otherwise seek to enforce the Act; iii) There are Ten Commandments in public school classrooms.”
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill celebrated When the bill was passed in June, it vowed to “immediately appeal” the judge's ruling.
“Latest Update on Louisiana’s Ten Commandments Law: As HB 71’s implementation deadline approaches January 1, 2025, we strongly disagree with the court’s decision and plan to appeal immediately. The boards are independently elected local political units. There are only five school boards that are defendants.'' Therefore, the judge has jurisdiction only over those five people. This isn't over yet. ” I wrote X Tuesday evening.
Latest updates on Louisiana's Ten Commandments law: As HB 71's implementation deadline approaches on January 1, 2025, we strongly disagree with the court's decision and will immediately appeal. School boards are independently elected from Louisiana's local political divisions. only… pic.twitter.com/ysJ3TutjOF
— Attorney General Liz Murrill (@AGLizMurrill) November 12, 2024
In 1980, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in Stone v. Graham that Kentucky could not require public schools to display the Ten Commandments because that would violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.
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