A bill mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom in Texas has passed a significant legislative hurdle, now set for approval by Governor Greg Abbott. The Texas House passed the bill with an 82-46 vote after extensive debate, during which Democratic amendments aimed at allowing school district opt-ins and translations were rejected by a Republican majority. The legislation, known as SB 10, had previously received Senate approval in March.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has positioned this bill as a priority for the current legislative session. He argues that displaying the Ten Commandments will provide students with a foundational moral framework, echoing sentiments from Texas’s historical background. However, the legislation is expected to face constitutional challenges similar to those in Louisiana, where similar measures have encountered pushback from various religious groups.
The Texas bill stipulates that public elementary and secondary schools must showcase the Ten Commandments in a clearly visible way using durable posters or framed displays starting from the 2025-26 school year. Schools will be required to accept privately donated displays or utilize district funds, but the law lacks an enforcement mechanism for non-compliance.
While proponents, like State Sen. Phil King, argue for the cultural significance of the Ten Commandments, critics, including Democratic State Rep. James Talarico, express concerns about the implications for non-Christian students, citing the potential for feelings of exclusion. Moreover, alongside the Ten Commandments bill, lawmakers have approved other legislation promoting prayer and Bible reading in schools, suggesting a broader trend towards integrating religious practices in public education. Advocates for religious freedom, like the Texas Freedom Network, warn that such measures may foster divisiveness and undermine the inclusivity of public schools.
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