Alabama lawmakers passed a series of bills Thursday promoting Christian texts in public schools and limiting LGBTQ+ visibility, aligning with a broader conservative movement backed by President Trump.
Key provisions include:
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Mandatory display of the Ten Commandments in public schools
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A ban on pride flags and classroom discussions of sexuality
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Prohibition of drag performances at public schools and libraries without parental consent
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Authorization of volunteer chaplains as school counselors
Republican House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter called the measures “common sense.” Democratic lawmakers opposed them as ineffective and discriminatory.
Rep. Mark Gidley, sponsor of the Ten Commandments bill, said the measure highlights the document’s historical relevance rather than its religious roots. However, faith leaders, including Mobile Rabbi Steve Silberman, warned it risks marginalizing religious minorities.
Rep. Neil Rafferty, Alabama’s only openly gay lawmaker, condemned the anti-LGBTQ+ bills: “When we ban their identities from the classroom, we are telling them that the best they can hope for is silence.”
The Alabama Senate also advanced a bill shifting control of the state archives department to a politically appointed board, following objections to a past lecture on LGBTQ+ history.
Sources:
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