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Republican lawmakers in the Texas Senate are pushing new legislation that would mandate the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms and allow time for Bible reading, part of a broader effort to integrate religious doctrine into public education.
“Our Schools Are Not God-Free Zones”
Sen. Phil King, lead author of the Ten Commandments bill, defended the measure, stating that “if our students don’t know the Ten Commandments, they will never understand the foundation for much of American history and law.”
A separate bill, introduced by Sen. Mayes Middleton, would allow schools to designate time for prayer and reading of religious texts with parental consent. “Our schools are not God-free zones,” Middleton said, thanking President Donald Trump and Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick for prioritizing prayer in schools.
Texas Joins a National Trend
Texas follows in the footsteps of Louisiana, which became the first state to require public schools and colleges to display the Ten Commandments. That law, which went into effect Jan. 1, is currently facing legal challenges. A group of parents sued, arguing that it violates their First Amendment rights. A federal court ruling on the matter is expected soon.
Similar bills have been introduced across the country:
- Kentucky: A bill would permit—but not require—schools to display the Ten Commandments.
- Ohio: Schools would have to display at least one of nine historical documents, including the Ten Commandments.
- Georgia: Public schools would be forced to post the Ten Commandments in key locations.
- Montana & North Dakota: Lawmakers are debating similar legislation.
- South Dakota: A bill requiring the Ten Commandments in classrooms narrowly failed in a 37-31 House vote, with some Republicans opposing it over government mandates.
A Legal Battle Ahead?
Texas Republicans believe their bill is legally sound, citing a 2022 Supreme Court decision that upheld a high school football coach’s right to pray on the field. That ruling, issued by the court’s conservative majority, took a broader view of religious expression in public spaces.
“The legislation is in accord with the history and traditions of our state and nation,” King said.
However, opponents argue that such laws violate the constitutional separation of church and state. The Supreme Court struck down a similar Kentucky law in 1980, ruling that mandatory Ten Commandments displays in schools were unconstitutional.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which is challenging Louisiana’s law, applauded South Dakota’s rejection of a similar bill. “Public schools are not Sunday schools,” said Samantha Chapman, an ACLU official.
Political Stakes in Texas
Texas Republicans are determined to push the measure through after failing in 2023 due to procedural deadlines. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has made its passage a priority, and Gov. Greg Abbott has voiced his support, posting on X: “Let’s do it.”
Democrats argue that the bill distracts from urgent education issues, such as funding public schools. “Segregation along religious lines is still segregation,” said Sen. Sarah Eckhardt. “This is a divisive bill that distracts from real solutions for Texans.”
With strong Republican control of the Texas Legislature, the bill is expected to advance. However, a legal challenge—potentially setting up another Supreme Court showdown—seems inevitable.
