We can already see a whirlwind of Christian and nonreligious citizens colliding.
Photo By Chris Maddaloni/CQ Roll Call
The state of Louisiana is now requiring all public classrooms to display the Ten Commandments by law.
According to CBS News, Republican Gov. Jeff Landry signed the controversial bill on June 19.
Republicans proposed the legislation that has not received final approval from the Governor. However, the time has passed to sign or veto the bill. The law, which naysayers are questioning the constitutionality of, would require a poster-sized display of the Commandments in “large, easily readable font.” Furthermore, they would be visible in EVERY public classroom, including kindergarten. Additionally, the religious posters would also appear in estate-funded institutions of higher learning.
The displays will reportedly be paid for through donations and be accompanied by a “content statement.” It will explain that the Commandments played an important role in “American public education for almost three centuries.” The posters are required to pop up in classrooms by the top of 2024.
Lawsuits are expected to come in droves.
The American Civil Liberties Union, along with the Freedom from Religion Foundation and Americans United for Separation of Church and State, released a joint statement. It said, ” This law violates the separation of church and state and is blatantly unconstitutional.” The statement continued, “The First Amendment promises that we all get to decide for ourselves what religious beliefs, if any, to hold and practice without pressure from the government.”
Moreover, they believe, “Politicians have no business imposing their preferred religious doctrine on students and families in public schools.”
The organizations are planning to file a joint lawsuit.
WWL-TV reports that Senator Royce Duplessis opposes the bill and believes the “10 Commandments” should remain in “Sunday school.”
“That’s why we have a separation of church and state,” Duplessis said. He added, “As I said on the Senate floor, if you want your kids to learn the Ten Commandments, you can take them to church.”
Meanwhile, supporters of the bill argue that the display of the Ten Commandments isn’t just about religion. It is a significant part of history that is “foundational documents four state and national government.”
We can already see a whirlwind of Christian and nonreligious citizens colliding.