A federal appeals court blocked Louisiana’s law requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in all public school classrooms and state-funded universities, ruling it unconstitutional on June 20, 2025.
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, in a unanimous decision by a three-judge panel, upheld a lower court’s ruling, citing the 1980 Supreme Court case Stone v. Graham, which struck down a similar Kentucky law for lacking a secular purpose and violating the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause.
Court: 10 Commandments Mandate Causes ‘Irreparable Deprivation’
The court rejected Louisiana’s argument that the law had a historical and educational purpose, stating it caused an “irreparable deprivation” of plaintiffs’ First Amendment rights.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill disagreed, arguing the ruling only applied to five parishes involved in the lawsuit and vowed to appeal, potentially to the U.S. Supreme Court.
The case, Roake v. Brumley, was brought by a coalition of parents, students, and clergy, represented by groups like the ACLU, who argued the law infringed on religious freedom and diversity.
Louisiana 10 Commandments Mandate Struck Down: What It Means
The federal appeals court’s decision to block Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law is significant for several reasons:
- Constitutional Precedent: The ruling reinforces the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause, which prohibits the government from endorsing or promoting a specific religion. By citing the 1980 Supreme Court case Stone v. Graham, the court reaffirmed that mandating religious displays in public schools lacks a secular purpose and violates constitutional protections. This strengthens the legal barrier against similar laws nationwide.
- Impact on Church-State Separation: The case highlights ongoing tensions over the role of religion in public institutions. The unanimous decision by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, a traditionally conservative court, signals strong judicial resistance to laws perceived as breaching the separation of church and state, even in a politically conservative state like Louisiana.
- Potential Supreme Court Appeal: Louisiana’s Attorney General has indicated plans to appeal, possibly to the U.S. Supreme Court. Given recent Supreme Court rulings, such as Kennedy v. Bremerton School District (2022), which have shown openness to religious expression in public settings, this case could set the stage for a landmark decision redefining the boundaries of religious displays in schools.
- Cultural and Political Implications: The law, passed by Louisiana’s Republican-led legislature and signed by Governor Jeff Landry, reflects a broader push by some conservative groups to integrate religious elements into public spaces. The ruling is a setback for these efforts, galvanizing debates over religious freedom, secular governance, and parental rights, especially in a politically polarized climate.
- Limited Scope but Broad Influence: While the ruling directly applies to only five Louisiana parishes, it sets a precedent that could deter similar laws in other states. It also emboldens advocacy groups like the ACLU to challenge comparable measures, potentially influencing future legislation and litigation.
Final Word
In summary, the decision is a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal and cultural battle over religion in public education, with implications for constitutional law, state policies, and national debates on religious liberty.
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