Federal Court Rules Louisiana’s Ten Commandments Law Unconstitutional

A federal court's ruling on the Ten Commandments law raises questions about the boundaries of religion in public education.

News Summary

A federal appellate court has deemed a Louisiana law requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public school classrooms unconstitutional, citing violations of the First Amendment. The ruling arose from a lawsuit by parents opposing the law, enacted by Governor Jeff Landry, which they argue promotes a specific religious viewpoint. Legal experts see this as a significant step in reinforcing the separation of church and state, although some supporters of the law claim its historical significance benefits education.

New Orleans, Louisiana – A federal appellate court has ruled that a Louisiana law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms is unconstitutional. The decision, delivered on Friday, June 23, 2025, concluded that the law violates the First Amendment’s guarantee of religious liberty and the prohibition against government establishing religion.

The ruling stemmed from a lawsuit filed by a group of parents from various religious backgrounds whose children attend Louisiana public schools. They contended that the law, enacted by Governor Jeff Landry in June 2024, promotes a specific religious viewpoint and thus undermines the constitutional principle of separation of church and state.

Legal experts and civil liberties organizations view this ruling as a significant advancement for the separation of church and state. They argue that mandating the display of religious texts could alienate students who do not belong to Christian faiths, thereby undermining the inclusivity of public education. The ruling echoes previous decisions, including one from U.S. District Judge John deGravelles, which similarly found the law unconstitutional and prevented its enforcement.

Despite the ruling, not all parties are in agreement. Advocates for the Ten Commandments law assert that the commandments are a part of the cultural and legal heritage of the United States, arguing that their inclusion in classrooms does not contravene the Constitution. They believe that these historical texts provide moral guidance and context that is beneficial in education.

Louisiana’s Attorney General, Liz Murrill, expressed disagreement with the appellate court’s ruling, claiming it applies only to the specific districts involved in the lawsuit. Murrill has indicated plans to appeal the decision, suggesting there may be ongoing legal battles over the issue.

This recent ruling has sparked discussions regarding its implications for all public schools in Louisiana. While some legal analysts suggest the ruling may set a broader precedent, others indicate that it is limited to the school districts that participated in the legal action. The case is expected to receive further scrutiny, with experts suggesting it could reach the U.S. Supreme Court, potentially scrutinizing the delicate balance between religion and government.

The Supreme Court has a history of ruling against similar laws, notably emphasizing in 1980 that such mandates violate the Establishment Clause when lacking a secular purpose. This historical precedent will likely play a critical role if the case advances to the nation’s highest court.

Across the country, attempts to enact similar laws have faced legal challenges. For example, families in Arkansas have recently initiated a lawsuit over a comparable measure. This trend underscores a growing national debate on the role of religion in public education and the interpretation of constitutional rights related to religious expression.

In summary, the recent court ruling in Louisiana underscores the ongoing controversy regarding religious displays in public schools and the interpretation of the First Amendment. As the case potentially heads to the U.S. Supreme Court, both supporters and opponents of the law continue to prepare their arguments, eager to clarify the rights of public school students amidst the ongoing tensions between faith and education.