The Texas Senate, on Wednesday, passed a bill mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms across the state.
The proposed legislation, referred to as Senate Bill 10, received approval in the Republican-majority chamber with a 20-11 vote following party lines.
Senate Bill 10 stipulates that every public school classroom should feature a durable poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments.
The text must be displayed prominently, with each copy measuring no less than 16 inches in width and 20 inches in height.
If it gains approval, the bill could be enacted for the 2025-2026 academic year. Legal challenges are anticipated in response to the measure.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick emphasized the bill as a priority for the legislative session.
Advocates argue that displaying the Ten Commandments will serve educational purposes and promote moral values among students.
Opponents, however, have expressed concerns regarding the potential violation of constitutional provisions, particularly the principle of separation of church and state.
Democratic lawmakers have voiced strong opposition to the bill. They argue that it infringes on religious liberties and fails to accommodate the diverse religious beliefs represented within public schools.
Some Democratic senators have expressed intentions to challenge the bill as unconstitutional, citing the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. The clause prohibits any law respecting an establishment of religion, which they argue this measure may contravene.
The bill’s proponents counter these arguments by asserting that the Ten Commandments form a historical and cultural foundation in the United States.