Tennessee House Passes Bill Allowing Ten Commandments in Public Schools

Legislation would give local schools the option to display historical documents like the Ten Commandments, Declaration of Independence, and U.S. Constitution.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Tennessee House has passed a bill that would allow public schools to display the Ten Commandments and other historical documents like the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution. The bill, sponsored by Republican Rep. Michael Hale, aims to give local school districts the autonomy to decide whether to put up such displays for educational purposes. However, Democrats have voiced concerns that displaying the Ten Commandments could violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

Why it matters

This legislation is part of a broader effort by some Tennessee lawmakers to insert religion into public life. The bill aligns with the state's conservative Christian values, but critics argue it could infringe on the rights of students from non-Christian faiths. The debate highlights the ongoing tensions between religious expression and the separation of church and state in public institutions.

The details

House Bill 47, sponsored by Republican Rep. Michael Hale, would allow public schools to display the Ten Commandments and other historical documents like the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Hale argues this would give local school leaders the flexibility to acknowledge these documents for educational purposes, while providing legal protections. However, Democrats contend the Ten Commandments display would violate the Establishment Clause, and students could be forced to view religious teachings against their will.

  • The Tennessee House passed the bill on a 75-17 vote in February 2026.
  • The bill must now make its way through the Tennessee Senate, where it is sponsored by Republican Sen. Mark Pody.

The players

Rep. Michael Hale

The Republican sponsor of House Bill 47, which would allow public schools to display the Ten Commandments and other historical documents.

Rep. Justin Pearson

A Democratic representative who argued the bill is "antithetical to the Constitution of the United States" and that it is not the state's job to tell children what religious teachings to follow.

Sen. Mark Pody

The Republican senator sponsoring the bill in the Tennessee Senate.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Local school leaders know their communities and classrooms best, and this bill gives them the autonomy to decide whether to acknowledge and display these documents for educational purposes, while ensuring they have legal protection if they do.”

— Rep. Michael Hale (Tennessee Lookout)

“This is antithetical to the Constitution of the United States. It isn't the state's job to have schools tell children what religious teachings they should follow.”

— Rep. Justin Pearson, Democratic Representative (Tennessee Lookout)

What’s next

The bill must now pass the Tennessee Senate, where it is sponsored by Republican Sen. Mark Pody. If passed by the Senate, it would then go to the governor for signature into law.

The takeaway

This legislation highlights the ongoing debate in Tennessee over the role of religion in public institutions. While proponents argue it gives local schools flexibility, critics contend it could violate the separation of church and state and infringe on the rights of non-Christian students.