BATON ROUGE, LA– The battle over Louisiana’s “Ten Commandments” law goes before a federal judge today, who will decide if it will go into effect this January.
Republican state lawmakers want the Bible verse posted in every public school classroom. In addition to the 10 commandments, a multi-paragraph “context statement” must be included on the poster, stating the commandments “were a prominent part of American public education for almost three centuries.”
Proponents argue no public funds will be required for purchasing the posters, and that schools can raise the money through private donations.
Opponents sued, saying the posters are a violation of the separation of church and state. The Louisiana ACLU says it also shows state agencies preferring one religion over another.
The public display of the posters will not be enforced until November 15th, 2024.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said in August that he looked forward to the challenge and, if parents are upset at the posters, they should tell their kids not to look at it.
