Louisiana to Defend Its Ten Commandments Law in Appeals Court, by Andrea M. Picciotti-Bayer

As we enter into the first days of a new Trump administration, the founders offer good counsel for the nation and its leaders. For example, George Washington said in his Farewell Address that “Of all of the dispositions and habits that lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.” Lawmakers in Louisiana agree. They want young people in the state to consider the role of religion in our nation’s history and have mandated the posting of the Ten Commandments in public-school classrooms. Before the law can go into effect, they must convince a three-judge panel of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals to reverse a lower court’s order.

The Constitution is on their side.

Louisiana Law is Challenged in Federal Court

H.B. 71 requires public schools in Louisiana to display the Ten Commandments’ text on “a poster or framed document that is at least eleven inches by fourteen inches,” in “large, easily readable font” that is “the central focus” of the display. Each display of the Commandments must include an explainer: a three-paragraph “context statement” about the history of the Ten Commandments in our nation’s public education. The cost of displays is to be met either through monetary donations or donations of the displays themselves. …