Louisiana becomes nation’s first state to require Ten Commandments in classrooms

Louisiana became the first state in the nation to require the Ten Commandments be displayed in public school classrooms.  

Gov. Jeff Landry (R) signed the Republican-led bill Wednesday that got some bipartisan support in the Louisiana Senate to display the Ten Commandments in all public elementary and high school classes.  

The signs must be in “large, easily readable font” in classrooms by the beginning of 2025. The posters will also contain a three-paragraph statement that will say the Ten Commandments have been a prominent part of American education.  

“The Pelican State has rightly recognized the history and tradition of the Ten Commandments in the state,” said Matt Krause, of counsel at First Liberty Institute. 

“Putting this historic document on schoolhouse walls is a great way to remind students of the foundations of American and Louisiana law. First Liberty was grateful to play a part in helping this bill reach the Governor’s desk. We applaud Louisiana for being the first, but by no means the last, state to take this bold step for religious liberty,” he added. 

The move has already sparked legal challenges, a major concern of Democrats who have opposed the bill.

“It’s a lawsuit waiting to happen,” Democratic state Sen. Royce Duplessis told CBS affiliate WWL-TV in April. “I think we are going to likely lose in court.”

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) announced its intent to sue, arguing the law violates the First Amendment.

“We are preparing a lawsuit to challenge H.B. 71. The law violates the separation of church and state and is blatantly unconstitutional. 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. Politicians have no business imposing their preferred religious doctrine on students and families in public schools,” the ACLU said Wednesday.

The upcoming battle will be a test for other states that have considered implementing similar laws, such as Tennessee and Texas.