Texas is Trying to Force Religion Into Public Schools
A new law passed by the Texas State Senate would require that all classrooms in public schools display the Ten Commandments. The bill which now heads to the Republican-led State House is bringing up a lot of controversy.
“I think this would be a good, healthy step for Texas to bring back this tradition of recognizing America’s religious heritage. [It] restores a little bit of those liberties that were lost,” Texas Sen. Phil King said.
The proposed legislation mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in every classroom in Texas using a poster or frame that must be a minimum of 16 inches wide and 20 inches tall. This requirement could potentially be implemented in classrooms throughout the state.
Individuals in favor of the separation of church and state expressed their belief that the government should refrain from promoting any specific religion. The American Civil Liberties Union cited the Constitution, which explicitly forbids any form of association between church and state.
“The U.S. Constitution expressly prohibits the entanglement of church and state, and the Texas Constitution guarantees the freedom of worship,” David Donatti, an attorney with the ACLU explained. “This bill, which would require every classroom to display the Ten Commandments, is a great example of failed priorities and failed leadership.”
The ten commandments are as follows:
You shall have no other gods before Me.
You shall not make idols.
You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Honor your father and your mother.
You shall not murder.
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not steal.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
You shall not covet.
The bill will need to pass the House and then be signed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott before becoming law. It could then be challenged in court.