Civil liberties groups, including the ACLU, filed a lawsuit to block Louisiana’s new law requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public school classroom. Plaintiffs, represented by the ACLU, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom From Religion Foundation, argue that the law is unconstitutional.
Signed by Republican Gov. Jeff Landry, the law mandates that all public K-12 classrooms and state-funded universities display the Ten Commandments in large, readable font starting next year. Opponents contend the law violates the separation of church and state, isolating non-Christian students. Proponents claim it has historical significance.
The lawsuit seeks a court declaration that the law, referred to as HB 71, violates First Amendment clauses forbidding government establishment of religion and guaranteeing religious liberty. It also seeks to prevent the posting of the Ten Commandments in public schools.
Attorney General Elizabeth Murrill, supporting the law, is prepared to defend it, arguing the ACLU selectively cares about the First Amendment. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge John deGravelles.
The Ten Commandments have historically been contentious in legal battles. The U.S. Supreme Court has previously ruled against similar laws, citing violations of the establishment clause. Louisiana’s posters, funded through donations, must be in place by 2025.
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