Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Vows to Pass Bill Displaying Ten Commandments in Schools

In the wake of Louisiana's recent law requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public school classrooms, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has pledged to pass a similar bill in his state. Patrick has criticized current House Speaker Dade Phelan for letting a comparable measure die in committee, vowing to bring it back.

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has announced his intention to pass a bill mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom in the state. This move comes after Louisiana became the first state to implement such a law.

Patrick's announcement was made through a social media post where he criticized Phelan for killing a state Senate bill that would have required the display of the Ten Commandments in schools. He then vowed to bring the measure back.

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Vows to Pass Bill Displaying Ten Commandments in Schools

The bill, SB 1515, would require all Texas public elementary and secondary schools to display the Ten Commandments in each classroom. Currently, no such requirement exists.

Phelan's office has not yet responded to a request for comment on Patrick's announcement.

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Vows to Pass Bill Displaying Ten Commandments in Schools

The feud between Patrick and Phelan stems from Patrick presiding over the impeachment trial of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton earlier this year.

Louisiana's law, signed by Republican Governor Jeff Landry, has been met with opposition from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other civil rights groups, who plan to challenge it.

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Vows to Pass Bill Displaying Ten Commandments in Schools

Professor Richard W. Garnett from Notre Dame Law School believes that several states may attempt to replicate Louisiana's law. However, he questions the legality of such measures.

The Supreme Court's stance on the matter is uncertain, with Garnett pointing out that while its doctrine has changed in some areas, it remains the same in others.

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Vows to Pass Bill Displaying Ten Commandments in Schools

Garnett emphasizes that a key issue for the high court will be whether a display like the Ten Commandments has a "coercive effect" on children in a classroom setting.

Opponents of such laws are expected to argue that the U.S. is a religiously diverse nation and that public schools are government-run institutions serving a "pluralistic people," despite the nation's Christian-inspired founding.

In a joint statement, the ACLU and civil rights groups condemned Louisiana's law, stating that religion is a personal matter and that politicians should not impose their religious views on students and families.

The debate over displaying the Ten Commandments in public schools is expected to continue, with legal challenges and further legislative attempts likely to ensue.