A lawsuit challenging the legality of a Louisiana law requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments was filed on Monday, just days after the law was signed by Republican Gov. Jeff Landry.
Families and civil rights groups allege the displaying of the Ten Commandments could pressure ... [+]
The suit alleges the law, which requires every classroom in the state to display the Ten Commandments, “cannot be reconciled with the fundamental religious-freedom principles that animated the founding of our nation.”
It was filed by a multi-faith group of nine Louisiana families with children in public schools with help from the American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana and other advocacy organizations.
The plaintiffs also argue having the Ten Commandments displayed “unconstitutionally pressures students into religious observance, veneration, and adoption of the state’s favored religious scripture” and sends a “harmful and religiously divisive message” to students who don’t subscribe to them.
The law was signed last week by Landry, who reportedly said he “can’t wait to be sued” ahead of signing the bill, and gives classrooms until Jan. 1, 2025, to display the commandments.
This story is breaking and will be updated.