Texas House Approves Ten Commandments Display in Public Schools

Texas is on track to become the largest state to mandate the display of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms after a Republican-backed bill passed a significant legislative vote and awaits final approval. Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, is expected to sign the legislation into law, which supporters argue reflects the historical and educational foundations of the United States judicial system. The bill requires a specific English translation of the Ten Commandments to be posted in each classroom, while efforts to include multiple faith texts were rejected. Critics, including some faith leaders, warn the measure violates the constitutional separation of church and state and anticipate legal challenges. This move aligns with similar efforts in conservative states like Louisiana and Arkansas, although Louisiana's law is currently on hold due to a federal court ruling. Additionally, Texas lawmakers have passed a related measure allowing voluntary prayer or religious reading during school hours, which Abbott is also expected to sign.