Appeals Court Clears Way for Louisiana Law Requiring Ten Commandments in Classrooms

Ruling says it's too early to judge constitutionality of law, despite concerns from dissenting judges.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A U.S. appeals court has cleared the way for a Louisiana law requiring poster-sized displays of the Ten Commandments in public classrooms to take effect. The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals voted 12-6 to lift a block that a lower court first placed on the law in 2024, saying it was too early to make a judgment call on the constitutionality of the law.

Why it matters

This ruling is part of a broader push by Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, to incorporate religion into public school classrooms. Critics argue this violates the separation of church and state, while supporters say the Ten Commandments are historical and part of the foundation of U.S. law.

The details

The appeals court majority said it was unclear how prominently schools would display the religious text, if teachers would refer to the Ten Commandments during classes, or if other historical documents would also be displayed. Without those details, the panel decided it didn't have enough information to weigh any First Amendment issues. However, dissenting judges argued the law clearly establishes government-endorsed religion in public schools.

  • The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals voted on the case in February 2026.
  • A lower court first blocked the Louisiana law in 2024.
  • Texas' similar law took effect on September 1, 2025.

The players

5th Circuit Court of Appeals

The U.S. appeals court that ruled on the Louisiana law.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who pushed for incorporating religion into public schools.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The case may continue to be challenged in court, as the dissenting judges argued the law clearly violates the Establishment Clause.

The takeaway

This ruling highlights the ongoing debate over the role of religion in public schools and the balance between religious freedom and the separation of church and state. The decision leaves open the possibility of future legal challenges to the Louisiana law.