In a move that could significantly impact the educational landscape of Texas, the state's Senate has passed Senate Bill 10, which mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom. As reported by FOX 7 Austin, the bill passed with a 20-11 vote that fell strictly along party lines, ushering in a new chapter of the church-state separation debate.
The legislation, spearheaded by State Senator Phil King (R-Weatherford), now moves on to the Texas House, with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick expressing optimism on social media regarding its passage. Senate Bill 10, if it becomes law, would require public schools to display a "durable poster or framed copy" of the Ten Commandments, sized at a minimum of 16 inches wide and 20 inches tall to ensure visibility from anywhere in the classroom. This initiative is set to be implemented starting with the 2025-2026 school year but faces potential legal hurdles as it proceeds.
Legal experts are split on the bill's constitutionality, with South Texas College of Law professor Josh Blackman suggesting to FOX 7 Austin a changing Supreme Court might be more receptive to such a law. Still, critics argue that this requirement could create inequalities among diverse religious groups. The murky waters of constitutional law have deepened after a federal court blocked a similar law in Louisiana, with that decision now pending appeal to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Political rhetoric heated on both sides of the aisle during the Senate's discussion. Sen. Donna Campbell (R-New Braunfels) heralded the Ten Commandments as America's moral backbone, declaring, "It is who we are. It is our history, and our students need to proudly learn them," as per Houston Public Media. Conversely, Sen. Sarah Eckhardt (D-Austin) countered by stating that Texans do not want religion "crammed down their throat by their government," reflecting the concerns of more than 160 faith leaders who opposed the bill on religious liberty grounds.
The debate over SB 10 examines the fabric of Texas's identity, balancing a majority's historical values with a minority's rights. The bill's supporters view it as an affirmation of heritage, whereas opponents see it as a clear violation of the Establishment Clause. With the bill heading to the Texas House and the potential for legal challenges looming, the controversy surrounding the appropriate role of religious doctrine in public schools continues unabated, underscoring a wider cultural tug-of-war that extends well beyond the Texas statehouse.
