Louisiana officials are currently embroiled in a legal battle to uphold the state’s new law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms. Attorney General Liz Murrill and Governor Jeff Landry are leading the charge to defend the law against a legal challenge by the ACLU. Murrill has stated that the lawsuit was filed prematurely and is seeking to have it dismissed by a federal judge.
Governor Landry has been vocal about what he perceives as hypocrisy surrounding the separation of church and state. He pointed out that while the U.S. Congress begins its sessions with prayer, the government denies citizens the right to display the very principles that those in power endorse. At a press conference on August 5th, Landry emphasized the importance of allowing prayer in schools and expressed his commitment to defending the Ten Commandments law in federal court.
During the press conference, officials showcased posters featuring American figures like House Speaker Mike Johnson, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Martin Luther King Jr. These posters were intended to demonstrate the constitutional application of the law and provide „teachable moments“ for students. Murrill and Landry believe that the Ten Commandments displays can serve as a valuable educational tool.
Murrill has asserted that the lawsuit lacks merit as the plaintiffs cannot claim any actual injury. She also mentioned that the case is being handled internally, without the need for outside legal fees. Despite concerns about potentially offending students of other faiths, Landry defended the law by stating that democracy means majority rules.
A federal judge has agreed to delay the implementation of the Ten Commandments displays until at least November while the lawsuit progresses. It is expected that appeals will be made regardless of the outcome. The ACLU, which argues that the law violates the First Amendment, has not yet responded to requests for comment.
In an interview, Governor Landry suggested that the presence of the Ten Commandments could have prevented an attempted assassination of former President Trump. This statement underscores the belief held by supporters of the law that displaying these principles can have a positive impact on society.
As the legal battle continues, Louisiana officials remain steadfast in their defense of the Ten Commandments law. The outcome of this case will have far-reaching implications for the intersection of religion and education in the state. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.