In the fight for more Christian content in schools, conservatives in the US state of Texas have won a victory in court.
April 22, 2026, 06:34April 22, 2026, 06:34
An appeals court in New Orleans has ruled that a law passed by the Republican-controlled state that requires schools to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms is legal. In the previous instance, the law was stopped and viewed as a violation of religious freedom.
The 10 Commandments are already hanging in this school in Kyle, Texas.Image: keystone
Fifteen Texas families who were supported by several associations sued. The appeals court now argued that Texas law does not require religious practices or customs. The students would not be taught the commandments nor would they be required to follow them. Students and parents could therefore continue to freely decide which religion they choose.
“We are deeply disappointed with today’s decision,” the plaintiffs said in a statement. The First Amendment protects the separation of church and state and the right of families to decide for themselves on the question of religious instruction.
“The verdict tramples on these rights.”
The group plans to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.
More money for biblical curricula
The Texas law is part of a broader push to embed Christian messages more firmly in school buildings and curricula. In addition to Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Alabama have also passed laws requiring the commandments to be posted in public schools, the New York Times reports. Several other states are considering similar measures.
There are also financial incentives for schools in Texas to follow Bible-based curricula. The schools can decide for themselves whether they want to participate, but there is a fee of up to $60 per student per year.
Greg Abbott, the Republican governor of Texas, called the ruling a huge success. “The fundamentals of Western law and morality belong in our classrooms,” he said on the X platform. (sda/dpa)