Texas Poised To Require Ten Commandments in School Classrooms After Bill Passes House
Public schools in Texas are poised to begin displaying the Ten Commandments in every classroom after a bill mandating their inclusion advanced through the state House of Representatives and is nearing final approval.
The measure passed the House with an 82-46 vote and now awaits final Senate review before being sent to Governor Greg Abbott, who is likely to sign it into law.
The legislation mandates that all public elementary and secondary schools exhibit a framed, durable copy of the Ten Commandments, sized at least 16 by 20 inches. An amendment ensures that the state, not individual school districts, will handle any legal defenses arising from challenges to the law. Advocates, such as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, argue the bill reinforces core ethical principles and honors the nation’s Judeo-Christian roots:
“By placing the Ten Commandments in our public school classrooms, we ensure our students receive the same foundational moral compass as our state and country’s forefathers.”
Democrats in the state have been naturally displeased with the measure, with lawmakers seeking to add amendments to neutralize the proposal, including allowing individual school districts to opt in or out at their discretion.
One critic of the bill who has been particularly damning of the display is State Representative James Talarico (D). A professing Christian who is part of the PCUSA and checks off every progressive box there is, including clamming the overturning of Roe. v Wade, Talarico believes the measure is the poisonous fruit of “Christian Nationalism” and has been insisting “Forcing our religion down their throats is not love.”
“And I say this to you as a fellow Christian, Representative, I know you’re a devout Christian, and so am I. This bill, to me, is not only unconstitutional, it’s not only un-American, I think it is also deeply un-Christian. And I say that because I believe this bill is idolatrous, I believe it is exclusionary, and I believe it is arrogant. And those three things, in my reading of the gospel are diametrically opposed to the teachings of Jesus.”
