The Louisiana House of Representatives passed legislation to require most K-12 schools to display the Ten Commandments.

House Bill 71 would apply to public and charter schools, plus any non-public schools that receive state funds.

“The bill also would apply to public and non-public colleges. And there would have to be displays in each building it uses,” KSLA reports.

KSLA reports:

State Rep. Dodie Horton, of Haughton, is among the lawmakers who are bringing forward House Bill 71.

The proposal would authorize school boards and other governing authorities, management boards and institutions to accept donated displays and to spend funds, including donated funds, to buy displays. Public funds would not be required to be used to purchase the displays.

The displays would have to be:

  • displayed on a poster or framed document that is at least 11X14 inches
  • the central focus of the poster or framed document.
  • printed in a large, easily readable font.

The Louisiana House passed HB 71 by an 82-19 vote, and the measure will move to the Senate.

“Why are we so afraid of morals?” asked Louisiana State Representative Roger Wilder III.

WATCH:

If the measure becomes law, Louisiana would become the first state to require public schools display the Ten Commandments in every classroom.

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From Nola.com:

Last year, Horton successfully shepherded a bill requiring classrooms to display the U.S. motto, “In God We Trust.” On Wednesday, she referenced Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, a landmark 2022 case in which the Supreme Court ruled that the government cannot stop an individual from engaging in personal religious observance, or else risk violating the First Amendment.

“The landscape has changed,” Horton said.

Critics of the bill, however, questioned its constitutionality.

“If it’s not adhered to, or even acknowledged by religions across the world,” said Rep. Matthew Willard, D-New Orleans, referring to the Ten Commandments, “are we not basically establishing a Christian religion in our schools?”

The legislation would also apply to colleges and universities, charter schools and private schools that receive public funding.

It was one of two bills promoting religion in K-12 schools to receive broad support Wednesday. House Bill 334, which authorizes schools to bring in chaplains to work with students, also passed the House with 86-6.

Read HB 71 HERE.

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