Texas is on track to mandate the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom. The Republican-led House gave initial approval to the proposal on Saturday. A final vote is expected soon, after which the bill will go to Governor Greg Abbott.
Governor Abbott has already signaled he supports the measure and will sign it into law.
The bill requires public schools to display a specific English version of the Ten Commandments. Each classroom must post a framed or poster-sized copy measuring 16 by 20 inches.
Supporters argue the commandments are a historical foundation for the American legal and educational systems. They claim students benefit from exposure to traditional values.
Republican state representative Candy Noble, a co-sponsor of the bill, emphasized its educational purpose. She stated the aim is to highlight content with national historical significance.
The bill follows similar legislation in Louisiana and Arkansas. However, Louisiana’s law is currently blocked after a federal judge ruled it unconstitutional.
Critics of the Texas bill say it violates the separation of church and state. Faith leaders, including Christians and Jews, have warned it infringes on religious freedom. They note that Texas is home to millions of students from diverse faith backgrounds.
Democratic lawmakers tried to amend the bill during Saturday’s debate. They proposed allowing different translations or including other religious texts. All proposed changes failed.
Texas has approximately 6 million students in more than 9,000 public schools. Opponents argue that mandating one religious text disrespects the diversity within those schools.
The proposed law is part of a wider push in conservative states to reintroduce religion into public education. On Thursday, Texas lawmakers passed another bill allowing daily voluntary prayer or religious reading time in schools.
Representative Brent Money said students need prayer and Bible reading more than ever. He stressed the importance of spiritual support for young people.
A previous case involving Governor Abbott and the Ten Commandments reached the U.S. Supreme Court in 2005. At the time, Abbott defended a monument at the Texas Capitol—and won.
If passed, the classroom display law will likely face immediate legal challenges. Opponents argue it could set a dangerous precedent for public institutions.
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