Texas Moves Toward Classroom Ten Commandments: Key Vote Sparks Initiative

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A new proposal could soon make Texas the largest state in the U.S. to require public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom. The Republican-controlled House approved the bill over the weekend, and it’s expected to pass a final vote soon. If it does, it will go to Governor Greg Abbott, who is likely to sign it into law.

State Representative Candy Noble, who co-sponsored the bill, emphasized that it highlights historically significant elements of American education and law. However, critics argue this measure could violate the principle of separating church and state, with legal challenges anticipated.

Texas isn’t alone in this push. Louisiana and Arkansas have similar laws, but Louisiana’s implementation is currently on hold after a federal judge deemed it unconstitutional. These legislative moves echo a broader trend in various conservative states to weave religious elements into public education.

In addition to the Ten Commandments bill, Texas lawmakers have also passed a measure allowing school districts to offer voluntary prayer or reading times for students and staff. Supporters, like Republican Rep. Brent Money, believe that encouraging Bible reading and prayer in schools is essential for students today.

Yet, this approach raises concerns among critics, including leaders from some Christian and other faith communities. They argue that enforcing these measures could infringe on the rights of students from different backgrounds. Texas has nearly 6 million students, and many come from diverse religious perspectives, which aren’t represented by the Ten Commandments alone.

The bill specifically calls for a 16-by-20-inch poster of a chosen version of the Ten Commandments, ignoring the range of translations and interpretations available across different faiths. Several Democratic lawmakers tried to amend the bill to allow for more inclusivity, but those efforts were unsuccessful.

A letter from numerous Christian and Jewish leaders has also voiced opposition, pointing out that many students in Texas do not connect with the Ten Commandments. In a state with about 9,100 public schools, others feel marginalized.

Historically, debates over the role of religion in public areas have been ongoing. In 2005, Abbott, then Texas Attorney General, successfully argued to keep a Ten Commandments monument on the Capitol grounds, reflecting a long-standing legal battle about religious displays in public settings.

As this legislation unfolds, it highlights a significant shift in the ongoing discussion about religion and education in America. With new polls showing rising support for religious expression in schools among certain demographics, the conversation will be crucial in determining how these laws are implemented and challenged in the courts.

For more information on the implications of these changes, you can refer to The Pew Research Center for insights on religion’s role in education.

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