Court Clears Way for Louisiana Law Requiring Ten Commandments in Classrooms

The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals voted 12-6 to lift a block on the law, saying it was too early to judge its constitutionality.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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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

The ruling comes amid a push by Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, to incorporate religion into public school classrooms. Critics say such laws violate the separation of church and state, while supporters argue the Ten Commandments are historical and part of the foundation of U.S. law.

The details

The appeals court said it was too early to weigh any First Amendment issues that might arise from the law, as it's not yet clear how prominently schools may display the religious text, if teachers will refer to the Ten Commandments during classes, or if other historical documents will also be displayed. However, six judges dissented, arguing the law exposes children to government-endorsed religion in a place they are required to be.

  • The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals voted on the case in January 2026.
  • A three-judge panel of the court previously ruled Louisiana's law was unconstitutional.
  • Texas' similar law took effect on September 1, marking the largest attempt in the nation to hang the Ten Commandments in public schools.

The players

5th Circuit Court of Appeals

The U.S. appeals court that voted 12-6 to lift a block on the Louisiana law requiring poster-sized displays of the Ten Commandments in public classrooms.

James L. Dennis

A circuit judge who wrote in a dissent that the law "is precisely the kind of establishment the Framers anticipated and sought to prevent."

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who was part of the push by Republicans to incorporate religion into public school classrooms.

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What they’re saying

“The law "is precisely the kind of establishment the Framers anticipated and sought to prevent.”

— James L. Dennis, Circuit Judge (lancasteronline.com)

What’s next

The case may continue to be challenged in court, as the ruling did not definitively determine the law's constitutionality.

The takeaway

This ruling highlights the ongoing debate over the separation of church and state in public schools, with proponents of the law arguing the Ten Commandments are historical, while critics say it violates the Constitution's Establishment Clause.