Texas House Advances Bill Requiring Ten Commandments in Public Schools
AUSTIN — A bill requiring classroom displays of the Ten Commandments in public schools advanced in the Texas House on Saturday, setting up a Sunday vote to send the proposal to Gov. Greg Abbott.
The measure is among Republicans’ efforts this session to expand religion in public classrooms. Lawmakers voted Friday to send a bill to Abbott allowing prayer time in public schools.
Foundational to America
Rep. Candy Noble, R-Lucas, told colleagues the Ten Commandments are foundational to America and its educational and judicial systems.
“Nothing is more deep-rooted in the fabric of our American tradition of education than the Ten Commandments,” Noble said. “The very way we treat others as a society comes from the principles found in the Ten Commandments.”
Debate and Concerns
Members spent more than two-and-a-half hours debating the Ten Commandments bill, with Democrats raising concerns about the state endorsing a particular faith and teachers having to explain to students references to adultery and slavery.
Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin, said one commandment would convey to Hindu, Buddhist and Sikh students that their religion is inferior because it says, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”
“If the goal of this bill is to create a whole new generation of Christians, I think this bill will do the opposite,” said Talarico, a seminary student. “I think this bill will create a whole new generation of atheists who think our religion is more about power than love.”
Similar Laws and Court Cases
Texas’ effort to require the Ten Commandments in public schools mirrors the law Louisiana passed last year. Federal courts have blocked it from taking effect. The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday deadlocked in a case that effectively blocked the creation of the country’s first public religious charter school in Oklahoma.
But Texas Republicans have said a 2022 Supreme Court case paved the way for the Ten Commandments bill to become law in this state. In that case, the high court ruled that a public school football coach’s midfield prayer after games was protected by the First Amendment.
Proposal Details
Under Texas’ proposal, public schools must conspicuously display a 16-by-20-inch durable poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments in every classroom. The text of the display must be legible so anyone with average vision could read it from inside the classroom.
Schools without enough displays would have to accept any private donations that met the requirements. They could also purchase displays with district funds.
Amendments and Reactions
Democrats unsuccessfully proposed 15 amendments to alter the bill, including efforts to display alternate versions of the Ten Commandments, require parental consent or notification of the policy change before the school year, remove references to slavery, provide a portal for teachers to offer real-time feedback for analysis and legislative recommendations, and allow school boards to vote on whether to adopt the policy.
“I would not want to curse our local school boards with having to have this debate,” Noble said. “In fact, I think that is our job to make these kinds of decisions to save them from having to have those kinds of debates.”
On Friday, the House approved a proposal protecting school employees’ right to engage in religious speech or prayer while on duty. Over the holiday weekend, the chamber is expected to vote on a bill that would allow religious groups to use public schools and state college facilities to host events — such as worship, services, sermons and assemblies.
In 2023, Texas approved allowing chaplains to counsel in public schools.
On Saturday, Rep. Vikki Goodwin, D-Austin, lamented that parents will be blindsided by the policy, and Rep. John Bryant, D-Dallas, said the Legislature is creating an “impossible burden” for public school teachers. Other Democrats framed the proposal as a purely political move that has nothing to do with education.
“Posting religious texts without context doesn’t teach history,” Rep. Vince Perez, D-El Paso, said. “It risks promoting one religion over others, something our Constitution forbids. … If we adopt the original version of this bill, legal challenges are inevitable, and taxpayers will bear the expense.”
Talarico attempted to delay Saturday’s debate by requesting its consideration be postponed to fall in line with one of the Ten Commandments to remember the Sabbath. Noble acknowledged Saturday and Sunday are the days of the Jewish and Christian Sabbath, respectively.
Talarico stalled action on the bill Wednesday, delaying the House vote until this weekend.
“Part of keeping the Sabbath holy is not working on the Sabbath,” Talarico said. “Would you be willing to postpone your bill so that we’re not breaking the Ten Commandments by working on the Jewish or Christian Sabbath?”
“I love that you said that because if we had not had your point of order the other day, we would have actually already completed that,” Noble retorted to applause from colleagues.
Members later voted 88-49 to advance the bill.
Conclusion
The Texas House has advanced a bill requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools, despite concerns from Democrats about the state endorsing a particular faith and the potential for legal challenges. The bill will now head to Gov. Greg Abbott for approval. The proposal is part of a broader effort by Republicans to expand religion in public classrooms, and it has sparked debate about the role of religion in public education.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the bill about?
The bill requires public schools in Texas to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom. The display must be a 16-by-20-inch durable poster or framed copy, and the text must be legible from inside the classroom.
Why are Democrats opposed to the bill?
Democrats are concerned that the bill will promote one religion over others, which is forbidden by the Constitution. They also worry that the bill will create an “impossible burden” for public school teachers and that it is a purely political move that has nothing to do with education.
What other religious measures have been approved in Texas?
In 2023, Texas approved allowing chaplains to counsel in public schools. The House has also approved a proposal protecting school employees’ right to engage in religious speech or prayer while on duty, and is expected to vote on a bill that would allow religious groups to use public schools and state college facilities to host events.
What is the next step for the bill?
The bill will now head to Gov. Greg Abbott for approval. If signed into law, the bill will require public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom.
