Texas Could Soon Require Classrooms To Display Ten Commandments

Earlier this year, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 10, requiring all public classrooms to display a copy of the Ten Commandments. The bill drummed up plenty of controversy before heading to the House.

This past weekend, the Texas House of Representatives voted on Senate Bill 10, and it looks like the Ten Commandments might soon be displayed in Texas classrooms.

Senate Bill 10, The 10 Commandments, And Texas Classrooms Collide

Senate Bill 10 was voted on and passed the House of Representatives in Texas on Sunday, May 25. The bill requires the Ten Commandments to be displayed and has very specific requirements.

READ MORE: Texas Senate Says, "Thou Shalt Display The 10 Commandments"

The version of the Ten Commandments displayed must be:

• visible from anywhere in the classroom
• a durable poster or framed
• 16 inches wide by 20 inches tall

There are also specific requirements on which version of the Ten Commandments is used. Senate Bill 10 also makes it clear that no public school is exempt from the requirement.

The bill now heads back to the Senate before heading to Governor Abbott and waiting on his signature. Reports are that he is expected to sign it into law.

Does Requiring The Ten Commandments In Classrooms Violate The Constitution

The bill has plenty of opponents, and they have been very vocal in trying to keep this bill from being passed. Many say it violates the Establishment Clause, which separates church and state.

Those who support the bill claim that the Ten Commandments qualify as a historical document, and this is a way of honoring our collective heritage.

It will be interesting to watch for any lawsuits that may spring from the passage of this bill. It's not the only one that will probably be challenged in court.