Federal Court Clears Way for Louisiana Law Requiring Ten Commandments Displays in Classrooms

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A federal appeals court has cleared the way for a Louisiana law that requires the display of the Ten Commandments in poster-size format in public school classrooms to take effect. The law has been the subject of a long legal battle, with opponents arguing it violates the separation of church and state.

Why it matters

The display of religious texts in public schools is a highly contentious issue that often sparks debate over the appropriate role of religion in public education. Supporters argue it promotes moral values, while critics contend it amounts to government endorsement of religion.

The details

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the law, passed by the Louisiana legislature in 2022, can now be implemented after a lower court had previously blocked it. The appeals court determined that the law does not violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, which prohibits the government from establishing an official religion.

• The Louisiana law was passed by the state legislature in 2022.
• A lower court had previously blocked the law from taking effect.
• The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the law on February 20, 2026, clearing the way for it to be implemented.