Louisiana Passes Law Requiring Ten Commandments Be Displayed in Public Schools

Louisiana became the first state to require public school classrooms to display the Christian Ten Commandments, likely setting up a legal battle surrounding the separation of church and state. 

Details: The bill requires the commandments be displayed in “large, easily readable font” in classrooms ranging from kindergarten to state-universities. The bill describes the commandments as historically significant and “foundational documents of our state and national government.” The displayed commandments will be accompanied by a statement describing that the commandments “were a prominent part of American public education for almost three centuries.” The law will go into effect in 2025. The displays will be funded by donations, not state funds. 

Key Quotes: Expected a legal battle to ensue, Gov. Jeff Landry stated, “I can’t wait to be sued.” He also stated, “If you want to respect the rule of law, you’ve got to start from the original law giver, which was Moses.” The American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana, Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the Southern Poverty Law Center released a statement opposing the legislation, arguing it “violates students’ and families’ fundamental right to religious freedom.”

How the Media Covered It: While most outlets reported simply that the bill became law because Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry (R) signed it, the Associated Press (Lean Left bias) reported it as being slightly more complicated, stating that “the bill did not receive final approval from Landry,” but “the time for gubernatorial action — to sign or veto the bill — has lapsed.”