A new Louisiana law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in every public classroom by January 1 has hit a roadblock. A federal judge granted a preliminary injunction on Tuesday, deeming the law 'unconstitutional on its face' and likely to violate the First Amendment.
The ruling comes as a victory for opponents of the law who argue that it breaches the separation of church and state and could alienate non-Christian students. On the other hand, proponents claim that the measure holds historical significance to the foundation of US law and is not solely religious.
The injunction was issued by US District Judge John W. deGravelles in Baton Rouge in response to a lawsuit filed by a group of parents of Louisiana public school children. They contend that the law infringes on First Amendment rights by promoting a specific religious viewpoint.
The Louisiana legislation, supported by the state's GOP-dominated Legislature and figures like former President Donald Trump, is part of a broader trend among conservatives to introduce religious elements into classrooms. Similar bills in other states have faced legal challenges over their constitutionality.
In 1980, the US Supreme Court ruled against a comparable Kentucky law, citing a violation of the establishment clause of the US Constitution. The court determined that the law lacked a secular purpose and primarily served a religious agenda.
The Louisiana law requires the display of the Ten Commandments in all public K-12 school and state-funded university classrooms on posters or framed documents. Each display must be at least 11 inches by 14 inches and accompanied by a 'context statement' highlighting the historical role of the Commandments in American public education.
While tens of thousands of posters would be needed to comply with the law, schools are not mandated to use public funds for this purpose. Proponents suggest that donations or contributions from groups and organizations could cover the costs of the displays.
