Appeals Court Backs Texas Commandments Law
Ruling clears way for classroom displays, echoing Alabama law and setting up a likely Supreme Court fight over religion in schools
A federal appeals court has cleared the way for Texas to require public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments, a closely-watched decision that could affect similar laws across the South, including in Alabama.
In a narrow ruling, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found that Texas may enforce its law mandating the displays, reversing earlier lower court decisions that had blocked the policy. The court held that the requirement does not violate the First Amendment’s protections on religion.
The case centers on Texas Senate Bill 10, passed in 2025, which requires schools to place a “durable poster or framed copy” of the Ten Commandments in each classroom.
Supporters of the law argue the displays reflect the nation’s legal and moral heritage. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton called the decision “a major victory for Texas and our moral values,” adding, “The Ten Commandments have had a profound impact on our nation, and it's important that students learn from them every single day.”
The court’s majority opinion emphasized that the law does not force students to adopt or practice any religious belief. As the ruling noted, “Students are neither catechized on the Commandments nor taught to adopt them.”
Opponents, including civil liberties groups and multi-faith families, strongly disagreed. In a joint response, plaintiffs said, “The Court’s ruling goes against fundamental First Amendment principles and binding U.S. Supreme Court authority… This decision tramples those rights.”
The legal fight is far from over. Critics have already signaled plans to appeal the case to the U.S. Supreme Court, setting up what could become a landmark ruling on the role of religion in public education.
The decision arrives as Alabama moves in a similar direction. During the most recent legislative session, State lawmakers approved SB99, sponsored by State Senator Keith Kelley (R-Anniston) and State Representative Mark Gidley (R-Hokes Bluff) requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public school classrooms.
Like Texas, Alabama’s law has drawn both strong support and legal scrutiny. Backers say the displays highlight foundational moral principles, while opponents argue they blur the line between church and State.
The Fifth Circuit’s ruling, which covers Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, does not directly impact Alabama. Still, it could influence how courts evaluate Alabama’s law if challenged.
The ruling will affect a wider push in several States to expand the presence of religious texts and instruction in public schools. Similar laws have already surfaced in Louisiana and Arkansas, with courts weighing their constitutionality.
For now, the Texas law can take effect, allowing schools to move forward with posting the Ten Commandments in classrooms. But with a likely Supreme Court review on the horizon, the issue remains unsettled — at least until SCOTUS definitively rules on the issue.
