Louisiana Attorney General Seeks Dismissal of Challenge to Ten Commandments Law
The lawsuit, initiated in June by a group of parents representing various religious backgrounds, contends that the new law violates the First Amendment’s prohibition against government establishment of religion and its guarantee of religious freedom.
BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has requested a federal court to dismiss a lawsuit aimed at overturning a recently enacted state law that requires the display of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms by January 1.
The lawsuit, initiated in June by a group of parents representing various religious backgrounds, contends that the new law violates the First Amendment’s prohibition against government establishment of religion and its guarantee of religious freedom. The plaintiffs argue that mandating the display of religious texts in public schools breaches constitutional protections intended to separate church and state.
Proponents of the legislation, however, assert that the Ten Commandments hold historical significance and reflect foundational principles of U.S. law, rather than solely serving a religious purpose.
As students across Louisiana prepare to return to school, state officials have unveiled sample posters featuring the Ten Commandments. Murrill, a Republican, emphasized that these examples adhere to constitutional guidelines. She also indicated that no school districts have yet begun to implement the law, as the required posters have not yet been produced.
In her court brief, which is expected to be made public soon, Murrill argues that the lawsuit is premature. She asserts that the plaintiffs have not demonstrated any tangible injury from the law, challenging the grounds on which the legal action is based.
