South Dakota’s lawmakers have introduced a new bill that would require public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom, a move inspired by a similar law in Louisiana that is currently under legal review.
Legislation Details
Senate Bill 51, brought forward last week by Senator John Carley and Representative Phil Jensen, mandates that all school districts must present the Ten Commandments prominently.
The legislation specifies that the display should be a poster or document no smaller than eight by fourteen inches, ensuring that the text is printed in a large, clear font for easy visibility.
Alongside the Ten Commandments, the bill calls for a brief explanation of their historical significance.
It also opens the door for additional important documents to be displayed, such as the Mayflower Compact and the Declaration of Independence.
Support and Opposition
Supporters of the bill argue that it reinforces crucial elements of American history and moral values.
Senator Carley believes that instilling respect for parents and discouraging actions like stealing and lying could create a better environment for children and help law enforcement.
However, the proposal has faced strong backlash from the South Dakota chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
They argue that imposing such a requirement could marginalize students who hold different religious beliefs.
The ACLU emphasizes that the First Amendment safeguards the rights of families and religious organizations—not the government—to impart their faith to children.
They point out that under current laws, students already have the freedom to practice their religion during school hours.
The ACLU also cited the 1980 Supreme Court decision in Stone v. Graham, which deemed a similar Kentucky law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in schools unconstitutional.
Broader Context
In a broader context, Louisiana recently enacted legislation requiring public schools to display various historical documents, including the Ten Commandments.
This has led to legal challenges from a progressive coalition representing a wide range of parents who argue that the law is unconstitutional.
In November, U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles issued a temporary injunction against the enforcement of the law while the court case is pending, remarking that it lacks religious neutrality.
Nevertheless, later that month, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals allowed the law to be implemented in school districts that were not involved in ongoing lawsuits.
As the debate continues in both states, the implications for educational environments and religious freedom remain a pressing concern.
Source: Christianpost