The ruling from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals relates to Texas Senate Bill 10 (SB10), a law mandating that the religious text be posted in every classroom. The policy was challenged by families of different faiths with children in public schools.
A US appeals court has ruled that Texas can require the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public school classrooms, in a decision seen as a win for Christian conservatives.
The ruling from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals relates to Texas Senate Bill 10 (SB10), a law mandating that the religious text be posted in every classroom. The policy was challenged by families of different faiths with children in public schools.
In its 120-page judgment issued in New Orleans on Tuesday, the court said the requirement does not amount to “an imposition on the consciences of Texas students or parents,” adding that the plaintiffs failed to prove it placed a substantial burden on their religious freedom.
The judges also found that SB10 does not violate the Establishment Clause of the US Constitution, which prohibits the government from establishing or favouring a religion.
Texas school officials, affected families, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) had argued against the law, saying religious instruction should be left to parents and faith communities rather than public schools.
Reacting to the decision, the ACLU said it was “extremely disappointed,” arguing that it contradicts First Amendment principles and Supreme Court precedent.
The group maintained that the Constitution protects the separation of church and state and the right of families to guide their children’s religious upbringing.
The appeals court ruling overturns a lower court injunction that had blocked the law. In that earlier decision, Judge Fred Biery said SB10 “impermissibly takes sides on theological questions and officially favors Christian denominations over others.”
The ruling also referenced long-standing school practices such as reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, which includes the phrase “one nation, under God.”
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton welcomed the decision, saying on social media that the Ten Commandments have “had a profound impact on our nation” and should be taught to students daily.
The case could still reach the US Supreme Court, with the ACLU indicating it plans to seek a further review.
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