Appeals Court Upholds Texas Law Requiring Ten Commandments in Public Schools

S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on Tuesday that Texas can require public schools to display posters of the Ten Commandments in classrooms. The 9-8 decision overturned a lower court ruling that had blocked the law. The law mandates displays if posters are donated to school districts.

Multiple sources reported the ruling as a step allowing the incorporation of religious elements into public education. The court stated the law lacks elements of a founding-era establishment of religion and does not violate the Establishment Clause.

the majority opinion, the court wrote that the Texas law does not infringe on First Amendment rights of students or parents. The decision follows a similar ruling two months ago allowing Arkansas to enforce a comparable requirement. The ruling is part of broader efforts in Texas to integrate biblical references into public schools, including an optional curriculum with Bible lessons and a pending vote on required Bible stories for some grades.

expressed disappointment, stating the ruling contradicts fundamental First Amendment principles and Supreme Court authority.

“We are extremely disappointed in today’s decision. The Court’s ruling goes against fundamental First Amendment principles and binding U.S. Supreme Court authority.”

They argued the decision undermines the separation of church and state and families' rights to choose religious instruction for children. The groups intend to seek reversal by the Supreme Court.

The appeals court's decision was described in some sources as setting up a potential Supreme Court battle over constitutional separation of church and state. It aligns with recent legal outcomes supporting such displays in public schools. Sources noted this as the latest development in ongoing debates about religion in education.

The ruling plows new ground in religious law, according to one report. No immediate implementation details were provided in the sources. The decision applies specifically to donated posters in Texas public school classrooms.