West DFW News

Today, a new bill, SB 10, was filed with the intention of reinstating the display of the Ten Commandments in Texas public school classrooms. The legislation comes in response to a significant U.S. Supreme Court decision in 2022 that overturned previous legal precedents prohibiting such displays.

The Ten Commandments have been described as an integral part of both Texas and American history. Proponents argue that they provide essential moral guidance and are foundational to understanding American history and law. "The Ten Commandments are part of our Texas and American story. They are ingrained into who we are as a people and as a nation," reads a statement regarding the bill.

Historically, these religious documents were displayed in public buildings across America until 1980 when a Supreme Court decision known as Stone v. Graham prohibited them. However, the recent case Kennedy v. Bremerton School District led to the overturning of this precedent by nullifying the Lemon test from Lemon v. Kurtzman (1971), which had previously been used to remove religious references from public spaces.

SB 10 aims to align with this updated legal framework concerning religious liberty in America. Supporters of the bill emphasize its alignment with state and national traditions, stating: "This legislation is in accord with the history and traditions of our state and nation." They also highlight its educational importance: "It will help ensure our students understand and appreciate the role of the Ten Commandments in our heritage, our system of law, and their impact throughout Western Civilization."