Ten commandments in Texas schools blocked: Judge cites first amendment; public classrooms exempt for now
A federal judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked Texas from enforcing a new law that would require public schools in Houston, Austin and other districts to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom, ruling that the measure likely violates the US Constitution, reported news agency AP.
The ruling came in response to a preliminary injunction request filed by a coalition of families from different faith backgrounds - Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Unitarian Universalist and nonreligious - who argued that the mandate infringes on the First Amendment's separation of church and state.
US district judge Fred Biery, in his 55-page ruling, noted that displaying the religious text in classrooms could lead to students asking questions that teachers would feel obligated to answer.
'Even though the Ten Commandments would not be affirmatively taught, the captive audience of students likely would have questions, which teachers would feel compelled to answer. That is what they do,' Biery wrote, as quoted by the agency.
The temporary injunction prevents 11 school districts and their affiliates from implementing the law, which was set to take effect on September 1. The judge began his ruling by quoting the First Amendment and ended it with the word 'Amen.'
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Texas is the largest state to attempt such a mandate, and the case is part of a broader legal battle likely to reach the US Supreme Court. A similar law in Louisiana was recently blocked by a federal appeals court, while a judge in Arkansas halted implementation in four districts.
Texas attorney general Ken Paxton called the ruling 'flawed' and confirmed plans to appeal. 'The Ten Commandments are a cornerstone of our moral and legal heritage, and their presence in classrooms serves as a reminder of the values that guide responsible citizenship,' Paxton said in a statement, according to the agency.
The families challenging the law are represented by the American civil liberties union, Americans united for the separation of church and state, and the freedom from religion foundation.
'Today's ruling is a major win that protects the constitutional right to religious freedom for Texas families of all backgrounds,' said Tommy Buser-Clancy, senior staff attorney at the ACLU of Texas.
A broader lawsuit involving three Dallas-area districts and the state's education commissioner is still pending in federal court.
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