Alabama Governor Signs Law Requiring Ten Commandments Display in Schools

New legislation mandates posting of religious text and historical context in certain public institutions.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 2:24am

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A solitary stone tablet with the Ten Commandments carved into it, standing alone in a dimly lit government building hallway and bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight, creating a sense of quiet contemplation about the role of religion in public institutions.A new Alabama law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools sparks debate over the separation of church and state.Montgomery Today

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has signed a new bill into law that requires the display of the Ten Commandments, along with an explanation of their historical significance, in certain public schools across the state. The legislation, sponsored by State Senator Keith Kelley and Representative Mark Gidley, is part of a broader push to incorporate religious elements into government-run institutions.

Why it matters

This new law is the latest development in the ongoing debate over the separation of church and state, with proponents arguing that the Ten Commandments have historical value while critics view the mandate as an unconstitutional endorsement of religion. The move is likely to face legal challenges from civil liberties groups concerned about the precedent it sets for mixing government and faith-based practices.

The details

Senate Bill 99 stipulates that public elementary and secondary schools in Alabama must display the Ten Commandments, along with an explanation of their historical significance, in a prominent location. The law gives school systems until the 2027-2028 academic year to comply with the new requirement. Supporters of the legislation claim the Ten Commandments represent an important part of Western legal tradition, while opponents argue it violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

  • Governor Kay Ivey signed the bill into law on April 11, 2026.
  • Schools have until the 2027-2028 academic year to comply with the new display requirement.

The players

Governor Kay Ivey

The current Governor of Alabama, who signed the bill requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in certain public schools.

Senator Keith Kelley

The Alabama state senator who sponsored the legislation mandating the Ten Commandments display.

Representative Mark Gidley

The Alabama state representative who co-sponsored the bill requiring the Ten Commandments to be posted in public schools.

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What they’re saying

“In Alabama, we proudly display the Ten Commandments. I am proud to sign this legislation, which will ensure Alabama students learn about this pivotal part of history.”

— Governor Kay Ivey

What’s next

The new law is expected to face legal challenges from civil liberties groups who argue it violates the separation of church and state. The courts will ultimately decide the constitutionality of the Ten Commandments display requirement.

The takeaway

This legislation is the latest flashpoint in the ongoing debate over the role of religion in public institutions. While proponents argue the Ten Commandments have historical value, critics view the mandate as an unconstitutional endorsement of a specific faith. The outcome of any legal challenges will set an important precedent for how states can incorporate religious elements into government-run spaces.