...
By Jenna Sundel and Gabe Whisnant
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
A federal judge has temporarily blocked 11 school districts in Texas from implementing a new law that would require public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom.
The ruling prohibits school districts named in the lawsuit, including Austin Independent School District and Houston Independent School District, from posting the displays.
Why It Matters
The ruling, issued Wednesday, marks the third time such a state mandate has been struck down in court.
Read More on Politics
The challenge was brought by Dallas-area families, who argued that the law set to take effect September 1 violates the First Amendment by breaching the separation of church and state and restricting the free exercise of religion. Several plaintiffs were also faith leaders, who argued that the version of the Ten Commandments mandated by the state does not align with their beliefs.
Texas is the largest state to attempt such a measure. U.S. District Judge Fred Biery of San Antonio's decision adds to a growing wave of legal battles over similar laws, with the issue expected to ultimately reach the U.S. Supreme Court.
...
What To Know
The plaintiffs include Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Unitarian Universalist and nonreligious families who have children in public schools.
Among the parents challenging the law are two Jewish rabbis, a Jewish cantor, a Presbyterian reverend and a Baptist pastor.
The rabbis and cantor believe the "Christian-centric" version of the Ten Commandments mandated by the law will interfere with their children's religious development, according to the complaint. The reverend and pastor argued that the version mandated by the state is "antiquated" and conflicts with their families' beliefs.
The families were represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, Americans United for the Separation of Church and State and the Freedom from Religion Foundation.
Religious groups and conservatives argue that the Ten Commandments should be displayed because they are part of the foundation of the U.S. judicial and educational systems.
What Is Senate Bill 10?
Texas Senate Bill 10 is a law requiring public schools in the state to display the Ten Commandments in the classroom. It was passed by the Texas Legislature in May and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott in June.
Do the Ten Commandments Need to Be Displayed in Other US States?
Louisiana and Arkansas have also recently passed laws requiring the Ten Commandments to be posted in classrooms.
In June, a federal appeals court blocked enforcement of the law in Louisiana, ruling that the law was unconstitutional. Earlier this month, a judge in Arkansas blocked enforcement of the law in four school districts.
What People Are Saying
U.S. District Judge Fred Biery, in a ruling: "Even though the Ten Commandments would not be affirmatively taught, the captive audience of students likely would have questions, which teachers would feel compelled to answer. That is what they do."
Tommy Buser-Clancy, senior staff attorney at the ACLU of Texas, in a statement: "Today's ruling is a major win that protects the constitutional right to religious freedom for Texas families of all backgrounds. The court affirmed what we have long said: Public schools are for educating, not evangelizing."
What Happens Next
A separate lawsuit naming three Dallas-area school districts as well as the Texas Education Agency and commissioner Mike Morath is pending in federal court.
This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.
Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com.
Update 8/20/25, 12:57 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines