Fifth Circuit Rules on Louisiana Ten Commandments Law

Reverses preliminary injunction, allowing Ten Commandments posters in public school classrooms

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has issued a ruling on the constitutionality of the Louisiana Ten Commandments law, reversing a preliminary injunction against it. The decision allows Ten Commandments posters to be displayed in public school classrooms in Louisiana.

Why it matters

This ruling is significant as it upholds the right of states to display the Ten Commandments in public schools, a long-standing legal and political debate. It sets a precedent that could impact similar laws in other states, including the Texas Ten Commandments law.

The details

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Louisiana law requiring Ten Commandments posters to be displayed in public school classrooms is constitutional, reversing a previous preliminary injunction that had blocked the law. This allows the law to go into effect, enabling schools to display the Ten Commandments posters that have been donated to them.

  • The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued the ruling on February 20, 2026.

The players

Jonathan Saenz

President & Attorney for Texas Values, a nonprofit organization working to protect the Texas Ten Commandments law.

Phil King

Texas State Senator who authored and championed the passage of the Texas Ten Commandments law in 2025.

Candy Noble

Texas State Representative who authored and championed the passage of the Texas Ten Commandments law in 2025.

ACLU

An organization that has legally challenged the Louisiana and Texas Ten Commandments laws.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The appeals court got it right by allowing the Louisiana Ten Commandments law to go into effect. We are confident the appeals court will soon rule in favor of the Texas Ten Commandments law as well.”

— Jonathan Saenz, President & Attorney, Texas Values (txvalues.org)

What’s next

The Texas Ten Commandments law, which has similar requirements to the Louisiana law, is also facing legal challenges and is expected to be ruled on by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in the near future.

The takeaway

This ruling underscores the ongoing debate over the display of religious symbols in public spaces, with proponents arguing it is an important part of the country's history and opponents viewing it as a violation of the separation of church and state. The outcome of the Texas case could have far-reaching implications for similar laws across the United States.