Abbott Backs Ten Commandments Law as Legal Showdown Looms

Texas civil liberties organizations are preparing to take legal action should Governor Greg Abbott approve a bill mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms, asserting that it constitutes an apparent infringement of the First Amendment.

This week, the Legislature approved a bill that requires all classrooms to display a framed copy or poster of the Ten Commandments, measuring 16 by 20 inches, in a clearly visible location. Supporters assert that it reflects a transformation in recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings, whereas opponents contend that it overlooks nearly five decades of established legal precedent.

A coalition of organizations, including the ACLU of Texas, the national ACLU, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom From Religion Foundation, has announced plans to collaborate with Texas public school families in filing a lawsuit aimed at halting what they describe as a violation of students' and parents' First Amendment rights. This statement was issued jointly by the involved parties.

Governor Abbott, anticipated to endorse the legislation, responded to legal challenges with a bold stance, stating on social media, “Bring it.” “Victory in this battle is assured.”

New legislation permits schools to accept donated posters that adhere to specific guidelines, while also allowing them to acquire displays through district funding. 

A recent amendment requires the state attorney general to defend school districts, with the financial burden of legal expenses being borne by taxpayers.

Senator Phil King, a Republican from Weatherford and the author of the bill, expressed optimism that a forthcoming lawsuit might prompt the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider its 1980 decision in Stone v. Graham, which deemed mandatory displays of the Ten Commandments in classrooms unconstitutional.

Supporters highlight the 2022 Kennedy v. Bremerton School District ruling, in which the Court affirmed a football coach's right to pray on the field, suggesting that this decision may indicate a shift towards favoring religious expression within public education.

Critics contend that the Texas law favors a specific religious tradition, notably the Protestant interpretation of the Ten Commandments. This has raised concerns about religious coercion and the potential alienation of students from diverse faith backgrounds or those who identify as non-religious.

According to civil liberties groups, Texas communities and public schools exhibit a significant level of religious diversity. “Critics argue that this legislation overlooks the importance of diversity and infringes upon families' rights to guide their children's religious education.”

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