Louisiana Schools Can Display Ten Commandments After Appeals Court Lifts Ban

A court has allowed Louisiana schools to display the Ten Commandments, reversing an earlier ban. This law was first put in place in 2025.
By Newsroom | Law, Education |

A recent court decision has permitted a Louisiana law that mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms to move forward. This ruling reverses a previous injunction, allowing the state to implement the controversial mandate while legal challenges continue. The outcome highlights ongoing debates about the role of religion in public education and may set a precedent for similar laws in other states.

The central issue revolves around a Louisiana law requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom. Supporters argue the display is a historical and moral document, not an endorsement of religion. Opponents contend it violates the U.S. Constitution's prohibition against government establishment of religion.

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Louisiana enacted a law in 2025 mandating that the Ten Commandments be displayed in all public schools and universities. This law immediately faced legal challenges from parents and civil liberties groups.

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  • June 2025: A panel of three federal appellate judges initially ruled that the law was unconstitutional, issuing a unanimous decision to block its implementation.

  • January 2026: The full Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals reviewed the case. This larger court appeared more receptive to the law, questioning previous legal standards.

  • Recent Decision: The appeals court issued a divided decision, lifting the injunction that had previously blocked the law. This allows the law to take effect while further legal processes unfold.

The state's Attorney General, Liz Murrill, has been a key proponent, issuing guidance to schools on how to comply with the mandate. Meanwhile, a coalition of parents has been at the forefront of the legal opposition.

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The core of the legal dispute rests on how courts interpret the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, which prevents the government from establishing a religion.

  • Arguments Against the Law: Opponents, like Benjamin Aguiñaga, argue that displaying the Ten Commandments in every classroom from kindergarten through senior year amounts to government-mandated religious instruction and shows hostility towards other faiths. They often cite the Supreme Court's 1980 decision in Stone v. Graham, which found a similar Kentucky law unconstitutional.

  • Arguments For the Law: Proponents, such as Peterson, argue that the Ten Commandments are a foundational historical document, not solely religious. They suggest that the version displayed is secular in nature and doesn't endorse a specific religion. Some legal observers note that the Supreme Court's interpretation of religious display cases has evolved, leading some judges to question the continued validity of Stone v. Graham.

The Appeals Court's Divided Ruling

The recent decision by the full Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals was not unanimous, indicating a deep division among the judges.

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  • Majority Opinion (implied): The court lifted the previous injunction, clearing the way for the law to be enforced. This suggests that a majority found the previous injunction to be improperly issued or that the law itself, at this stage, could be considered constitutional.

  • Dissenting Opinions (implied): The divided nature of the decision suggests that a significant portion of the court disagreed with lifting the injunction. These judges likely believe the law still runs afoul of constitutional protections against religious establishment.

The court has not yet issued a similar decision on a comparable Texas law.

Implications and Future Steps

This ruling has immediate implications for Louisiana schools and potentially for other states considering similar legislation.

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  • Immediate Effect: Louisiana schools are now expected to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms as per the state law.

  • Potential Supreme Court Review: Legal experts widely anticipate that the case will eventually reach the U.S. Supreme Court. The Supreme Court's recent shifts in its approach to religious liberty cases make this a pivotal issue.

  • Broader Impact: The decision could embolden other states with similar legislative interests. Conversely, it may also spur further legal challenges and heightened scrutiny of religious displays in public institutions.

Expert Analysis

Legal scholars are observing the case closely for signs of a shift in judicial interpretation regarding religion in public life.

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"From kindergarten to senior year, a student in public school will face an unavoidable constant: government-mandated religious dictates in every single classroom." - Benjamin Aguiñaga, citing concerns about the law's impact on students.

"Whatever the appeals court’s decision, many legal observers expect the cases to reach the U.S. Supreme Court." - Legal Observers, highlighting the national significance of the legal battle.

Conclusion

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals' decision to allow Louisiana's Ten Commandments law to take effect marks a significant development in the ongoing legal saga. While a previous ruling had blocked the mandate, the full appeals court has now reversed that decision, permitting its implementation. This outcome underscores the contentious nature of religious expression in public schools and the evolving legal landscape surrounding such issues. The case is widely expected to proceed to the U.S. Supreme Court, where its ultimate resolution will have far-reaching implications for the separation of church and state in American education. The current status allows for enforcement of the law in Louisiana, pending further judicial review.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can Louisiana schools now display the Ten Commandments?
Yes, a recent appeals court decision has lifted the ban on Louisiana's law that requires the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public school classrooms. The law can now be put into effect.
Q: Why did the court allow the Ten Commandments to be displayed?
The full Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals reviewed the case and issued a divided decision that lifted the previous ban. This means the law can be enforced while legal challenges continue.
Q: What was the earlier decision on this law?
Before this recent ruling, a panel of three federal appellate judges had blocked the law in June 2025, saying it was unconstitutional. This new decision from the full appeals court reverses that earlier block.
Q: What happens next with the Ten Commandments law in Louisiana?
The law is now allowed to be enforced in Louisiana schools. However, legal experts expect the case to go to the U.S. Supreme Court for a final decision, as the appeals court decision was divided.
Q: Who is affected by this decision?
Students, teachers, and parents in Louisiana public schools are affected. The law requires the display of the Ten Commandments in every classroom, and this decision allows that to happen while the legal fight continues.