Fact Check: Republican Governor Vows to Appeal Ruling Against Ten Commandments in Classrooms
What We Know
A recent ruling by a federal appeals court found that a Louisiana law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms is "plainly unconstitutional" (source-1). The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit upheld a preliminary injunction issued by a district court, which blocked the law from taking effect (source-2). The law, passed in June 2024, mandated that every public school classroom display the Ten Commandments, a requirement that was deemed a violation of the separation of church and state (source-3).
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, a Republican, expressed strong disagreement with the ruling and announced plans to appeal it, stating, "We will immediately seek relief from the full Fifth Circuit and, if necessary, the United States Supreme Court" (source-1). Governor Jeff Landry, who signed the law, also supported the appeal, asserting that the Ten Commandments serve both educational and historical purposes in classrooms (source-4).
Analysis
The court's decision was based on the argument that the law's requirements were "materially identical" to a Kentucky law struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1980, which also mandated the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools (source-1). The judges highlighted that the law's intent was primarily religious, as evidenced by statements from its proponents, which indicated a desire for children to learn "what God says is right, and what he says is wrong" (source-2).
The sources reporting on this case include reputable news organizations such as The New York Times, NPR, and Reuters, which are known for their journalistic integrity and fact-checking standards. The appeals court panel consisted of judges appointed by both Democratic and Republican presidents, which adds a layer of credibility to the ruling as it reflects a bipartisan judicial perspective (source-3).
However, the appeal by the Louisiana Attorney General and Governor is part of a broader movement among conservative groups seeking to challenge legal limitations on public expressions of faith in schools. This context is crucial as it indicates that the appeal may be driven by political motivations rather than purely legal considerations (source-4).
Conclusion
The claim that the Republican Governor of Louisiana vows to appeal the ruling against the Ten Commandments in classrooms is True. The Attorney General and the Governor have both publicly stated their intentions to challenge the court's decision, which they believe infringes on the rights to promote religious education in public schools. The ruling itself, however, underscores a significant judicial stance on the separation of church and state, affirming the unconstitutionality of the law.
