Appeals Court Blocks Louisiana Ten Commandments Law

A federal appeals court has upheld a lower court's injunction blocking a Louisiana law that mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied the state's request to suspend the injunction, which was issued by U.S. District Judge John deGravelles, who declared the law unconstitutional and a violation of the First Amendment. A group of parents from various faiths has sued the state, arguing the law favors a specific Protestant version of the commandments and could alienate non-Christian students. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill plans to continue defending the law, which proponents argue has historical significance to U.S. law. The law was passed by a Republican-dominated legislature and signed by Governor Jeff Landry in June. The legal battle will continue with arguments scheduled for January 23, 2025.