Louisiana Law Requires Display of Ten Commandments in Public School Classrooms

The state of Louisiana has become the first to require the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom. The bill was signed into law by Republican Governor Jeff Landry and mandates a poster-sized display in "large, easily readable font" from kindergarten through state-funded universities. Opponents have questioned the law's constitutionality, arguing that it violates the establishment clause of the U.S. Constitution and contravenes the separation between church and state enshrined in the First Amendment. Proponents argue that the measure is not solely religious, but has historical significance as "the foundational documents of our state and national government." The law is expected to be challenged by civil rights groups, and lawsuits are likely to follow.