A bill requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in all public-school classrooms across Texas has cleared the state Senate, setting up a battle over religious expression, constitutional rights, and the role of faith in public education.
Senate Bill 10 (SB 10), sponsored by Sen. Phil King (R-Weatherford), passed Wednesday night in a 20-11 vote along party lines, with all Republicans in favor and all Democrats opposed. The bill mandates that every public elementary and secondary school must "display in a conspicuous place in each classroom of the school a durable poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments."
The bill now moves to the Texas House of Representatives, where it must pass before heading to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk. If signed into law, it is expected to face legal challenges similar to those in Louisiana, where a nearly identical law was temporarily blocked by a federal court.
Supporters Say the Bill Reaffirms America’s Foundations
Republicans argued that the Ten Commandments are a fundamental part of American history and values.
“The Ten Commandments determined our laws, our ethics, our moral strengths, and our unique identifications as Americans,” said Sen. Donna Campbell (R-New Braunfels). “The Ten Commandments should be posted in every schoolroom, unapologetically taught as a foundation of America. It is who we are. It is our history, and our students need to proudly learn them.”
Sen. Brent Hagenbuch (R-Denton) defended the bill, saying that while not all Texans share a religious tradition rooted in the Ten Commandments, the measure restores a moral framework in schools.
“Christians are the majority pretty clearly,” Hagenbuch said. “As Texans, the majority needs to look out for the minority, I understand, and be careful not to trample them. But we've gone too far there. We've gone so far that we're intimidated. And when we talk about the First Amendment, which we were talking about earlier, freedom of religion does not mean lack of religion.”
The Texas Senate Republican Caucus celebrated the bill’s passage, calling it a victory for instilling values in schools. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), they praised SB 10 for “reinstating foundational values in every public school classroom, fostering respect, integrity, and responsibility.”
Opponents Say the Bill Violates Religious Freedom
Democrats and civil rights organizations argue the bill is unconstitutional and undermines religious freedom.
Sen. Sarah Eckhardt (D-Austin) warned that while many Texans are religious, the government should not impose religious beliefs on students.
“But I would venture Texans do not want religion crammed down their throat by their government,” Eckhardt said. “Texans don’t even want their own religion crammed down their throat by their government.”
Sen. Nathan Johnson (D-Dallas) read a letter signed by more than 160 faith leaders opposing SB 10, arguing that the bill undermines religious liberty rather than protecting it.
State Sen. Cesar Blanco (D-El Paso) said the bill represents an attack on the constitutional principle of separating church and state.
“It was the wisdom of our founding fathers, who understood religious persecution, to enshrine the separation of church and state in our Constitution,” Blanco said in a text message. “Government has no place forcing religious displays in our public schools.”
The Texas Freedom Network, a progressive advocacy group, called the bill a misuse of government power.
“At a time when Texas classrooms are underfunded, overcrowded, and facing a teacher shortage crisis, lawmakers are choosing to manufacture division instead of addressing real problems,” said Rocio Fierro-Pérez, the group’s political director.
Legal Challenges on the Horizon
If the bill becomes law, it is expected to be challenged in court under the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, which prohibits government endorsement of religion.
Sen. Phil King, the bill’s author, argued that displaying the Ten Commandments in schools was historically legal until a 1980 Supreme Court ruling declared such displays unconstitutional. He cited a more recent Supreme Court decision from 2022 that he believes allows for their return.
The legal landscape remains uncertain, as courts have struck down similar laws in the past. Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law was halted by a federal judge, signaling that Texas could face the same battle.
What’s Next?
The bill now moves to the Texas House, where its fate remains uncertain. Another related bill, SB 11, which would mandate prayer and Bible study time in public schools, was left pending on second reading in the Senate, leaving its future unclear.
