Texas public schools will be forced to display the Tend Commandments in every classroom under a bill passed by the state Senate Thursday.
Senate Bill 1515 was introduced by Republican Phil King, who has said it "will remind students all across Texas of the importance of the fundamental foundation of America." The bill now heads to the Republican-dominated House for review, and will go to the Governor's desk upon approval.
Legislators also passed Senate Bill 1396, which would require schools to set aside time for students and staff to read the Bible. Both bills follow the 2021 policy that required schools to display "In God We Trust" signs donated by community members.
The laws clearly contradict separation of church and state, which has even some conservative Christians concerned. John Litzler, general counsel for the Texas Baptists Christian Life Commission, told the Senate that he and his organization oppose using taxpayer money on religious education.
Litzer also cited content in the Commandments which may not be appropriate for young children, and goes against the state's own recently implemented content standards.
"I should have the right to introduce my daughter to the concepts of adultery and coveting one's spouse," Litzler said in a committee hearing, via The Texas Tribune. "It shouldn't be one of the first things she learns to read in her kindergarten classroom."
Texas lawmakers recently approved legislation that bans "sexually explicit" books from school libraries, and mandates parental consent for "sexually relevant" books.
The ACLU of Texas called the recent bills an “example of failed priorities and failed leadership.”
“The U.S. Constitution expressly prohibits the entanglement of church and state, and the Texas Constitution guarantees the freedom of worship,” David Donatti, an attorney for the ACLU of Texas, told The Washington Post. “Whether we choose to belong to one religion or none at all, people of all faiths and creeds should together resist the state’s endorsement of one particular religion.”
