Appeals Court Votes 12-6 to Lift Injunction
LOUISIANA — The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit on Friday voted 12-6 to lift an injunction imposed in 2024, paving the way for a Louisiana law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms statewide.
The majority of judges on the panel determined that it was too early to conclude on the constitutionality of the act, citing insufficient factual evidence regarding how schools would implement the display of poster-sized documents in classrooms.
The majority opinion also noted that the law permits schools to place the Ten Commandments alongside other historical documents, including the Mayflower Compact or the Declaration of Independence.
Judges Deeply Divided on Role of Religion in Public Schools
Judge James Ho, appointed by President Donald Trump, wrote in a concurring opinion that the act aligns with America's founding traditions, where religious values have historically played a foundational role in the educational and legal systems.
Conversely, in a dissenting opinion, Judge James L. Dennis — appointed by President Bill Clinton — argued that displaying the Ten Commandments in the context of mandatory education amounts to exposing students to state-endorsed religion, violating the principle of separation of church and state.
ACLU Vows to Continue Legal Challenge
The American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana (ACLU of Louisiana), along with groups representing the plaintiffs, announced they would continue to pursue further legal steps to prevent the enforcement of the act.
On the opposing side, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry welcomed the court's ruling. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill stated that schools need to comply with the law and have received "constitutionally compliant" implementation guidance from authorities.
Case Reconsidered by Full Court
Friday's decision came after the full panel of judges of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals decided to reconsider the case. Previously, a three-judge panel had declared the law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments unconstitutional.
Growing Trend in Several States
Louisiana is not the only state to introduce the Ten Commandments in public schools. In Arkansas, a similar law is being challenged in federal court. Texas implemented a requirement to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms last year.
The debate surrounding the boundary between religious freedom and the principle of separation of church and state is likely to continue escalating as the Louisiana lawsuit proceeds to its next phase.
