Federal Judge Blocks Texas Ten Commandments Classroom Mandate in 11 Districts

A federal judge in Texas has temporarily blocked the enforcement of Senate Bill 10, a law requiring public schools in several districts to display posters of the Ten Commandments, ruling that it likely violates the First Amendment's Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses. The injunction affects 11 school districts, including major ones in Houston, Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio, following a lawsuit brought by 16 families from diverse religious and nonreligious backgrounds, represented by the ACLU and other organizations. Judge Fred Biery noted that even passive displays could compel teachers to address religious questions, potentially pressuring students into religious observance and infringing upon their rights. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton criticized the ruling and plans to appeal, emphasizing the Ten Commandments as a cornerstone of moral and legal heritage. Supporters of the ruling argue it protects religious freedom and maintains public schools as secular spaces where all students feel welcome regardless of faith. This legal challenge is part of a broader national debate, with similar laws in Louisiana and Arkansas also being blocked by courts and potentially heading toward the Supreme Court.