Texas Families Sue Over School Ten Commandments Law

Sixteen Texas families from various religious and nonreligious backgrounds, supported by organizations like the ACLU, have filed a federal lawsuit against multiple school districts to block Senate Bill 10, which mandates displaying a Protestant version of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms. The plaintiffs argue that the law violates the Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses of the First Amendment by exposing students to religious doctrine that may conflict with their beliefs. The law, set to take effect on September 1 unless a court intervenes, has sparked controversy, with critics saying it constitutes government endorsement of religion and could lead to indoctrination. Faith leaders have also noted that the mandated version of the commandments does not represent all traditions. The lawsuit marks the second challenge to the law, and a recent decision by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to block a similar Louisiana law may affect the outcome in Texas. Supporters contend the law reflects Christianity's historical influence on American society.