Texas Republicans hope 2025 is the year they get the 10 Commandments on display in public school classrooms

10 commandments
Photo credit Getty Images

Texas Lt Governor Dan Patrick made 10 Commandments legislation a priority after it failed in 2023 and then passed in Louisiana. After that Patrick took to social media saying Texas should have been the first state in the nation to pass it. Since then a federal judge has blocked the Louisiana law from taking effect.

Passing 10 Commandments legislation is such a high priority that Texas Republicans are so serious about that Patrick gave the bill an equivalent number. Senate Bill 10 was filed by State Senator Phil King, who authored the legislation in 2023 that failed to make it through the Texas House.

King rolled out the bill then calling this an issue of religious liberty, “the bedrock of America’s founding.” King went on to say, “We also want kids to see that there are certain standards of morality and we want them to see that every day when they walk in that classroom, K through 12.”

There was opposition to the bill, mostly from Democrats, but also certain religious groups.

John Litzler, of the Baptist General Convention of Texas testified against the bill in committee saying, “We believe this is the responsibility of the church and of those faiths to educate children on their religious liberty, not the duty of the state.” Litzler added, “I should have the right to teach my daughter the tenets of my faith in a way that’s age-appropriate and appropriate with her development.”

Democratic State Representative James Talerico, a former teacher, who attends the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary was also an outspoken critic of the bill.

“Instead of bringing a bill that will feed the hungry, clothe the naked, heal the sick we’re instead mandating that people put up a poster,” said Talerico in a press conference.

In 2023 the legislation passed in the State Senate 17-12 along strict party lines.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Getty Images