Global Economic Times

U.S. Federal Appeals Court Rules Louisiana's "Ten Commandments Mandatory Posting Law" Unconstitutional, Reaffirming Separation of Church and State: Sharon Yoon Correspondent / Updated : 2025-06-27 08:00:30

A U.S. federal appeals court has ruled as unconstitutional a Louisiana state law that mandated the posting of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. This ruling reaffirms the principle of separation of church and state guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and is expected to significantly impact other states pursuing similar legislation. The decision is particularly noteworthy as it represents a legal challenge to religious education policies strongly supported by President Donald Trump.

Appeals Court Acknowledges Infringement on Students' Religious Freedom

The U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled that Louisiana's "Ten Commandments Mandatory Posting Law" violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which enshrines the principle of separation of church and state, and ordered the law's enforcement to cease. This decision upholds the ruling made by a lower federal district court in November of last year.

In her ruling, Appeals Court Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez stated, "When the Ten Commandments are posted in classrooms, students are exposed to them throughout the school day without any choice to refuse." She added that "this inflicts concrete constitutional harm on the plaintiffs," clearly indicating that students' religious freedom could be infringed upon. The ruling halts Louisiana's bill, which required the mandatory posting of Ten Commandments posters, at least 28cm x 36cm in size, in easily readable font, in all public school classrooms. The law was intended to apply to all public schools, from kindergarten to state universities.

Parents and Civil Organizations Welcome Ruling, State Government Plans Supreme Court Appeal

The lawsuit was filed by parents and civil organizations arguing that "the government is infringing on religious freedom by coercing a specific religion," and was supported by various groups, including Americans United for Separation of Church and State (AUSC). Rachel Laser, President of AUSC, emphasized that "the faith of children should be decided at home" and stated that "this ruling sends a clear message to Christian nationalists." The plaintiffs, the Roque couple, also welcomed the ruling, stating it "respects religious freedom and diversity."

Conversely, the Louisiana Attorney General has reportedly expressed his intention to appeal the ruling to the Federal Supreme Court. Consequently, the ultimate fate of the Ten Commandments mandatory posting law now rests with the U.S. Federal Supreme Court.

Ten Commandments Posting Controversy Spreading to Other States

This Louisiana ruling is expected to influence other states considering the posting of the Ten Commandments. In Arkansas, a constitutional lawsuit is currently underway regarding a new order to post copies of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms. This law, which takes effect in August, contains provisions similar to those enacted in Louisiana.

Texas has also passed a similar bill awaiting the governor's signature, raising the possibility of citizen lawsuits. In addition, similar legislation is being pursued in other conservative states such as Alabama and South Dakota, indicating that the controversy surrounding the posting of the Ten Commandments is poised to spread across the U.S.

Supreme Court Precedents and Conservative Majority Structure

The U.S. Federal Supreme Court has previously stated in several precedents that the posting of the Ten Commandments in public schools serves a primarily religious purpose, not an educational one. In the 1980 case of Stone v. Graham and the 2005 case of McCreary County v. ACLU, the Supreme Court ruled the posting of the Ten Commandments in public schools unconstitutional.

However, some analyses suggest that predicting the final judgment is difficult given the current 6-3 conservative majority on the Federal Supreme Court. Notably, President Donald Trump has openly supported Ten Commandments posting bills since his time as a presidential candidate, arguing that "Christian values must be protected in the public sphere." At a Protestant conservative event in Washington in June of last year, he even stated, "What's wrong with the lesson 'Thou shalt not steal'?" and "It's a crazy world that claims these Ten Commandments shouldn't be put up."

Conservative Education Policy Controversy Centered in the "Bible Belt"

Under the influence of President Donald Trump, where Protestant influence is strong, regions in the South and Southeast U.S., often referred to as the "Bible Belt," have seen a series of Bible-emphasizing education policies implemented since last year, sparking controversy.

In Oklahoma, the Superintendent of Public Instruction issued an executive order at a state Department of Education board meeting stating that "Bibles will be placed in every public school classroom in the state, and students will be taught the Bible." Tennessee, in 2022, passed a bill allowing public schools to teach creationism based on the Bible instead of evolution.

There is strong criticism of these movements within the U.S. Stacey Woolley, a Tulsa School Board member in Oklahoma, pointed out that "students have diverse religious beliefs" and that "forcing Bible lessons is unfair."

Majority of Americans Value Religious Freedom

Indeed, many people in the United States emphasize the importance of religious freedom. According to a 2021 survey conducted by Rasmussen Reports and the Christian ministry organization Summit Ministries among 1,000 U.S. voters, 82% of respondents stated that religious freedom is important for a healthy American society. Of these, approximately 67% answered that religious freedom is "very important," and about 15% answered "somewhat important." Only about 9% of respondents said religious freedom was not important.

The unconstitutional ruling on Louisiana's Ten Commandments mandatory posting law reflects this broad support for religious freedom among Americans and serves as a reminder of the importance of the principle of separation of church and state within the U.S. public education system. All eyes are now on the Federal Supreme Court for its final decision.