Secular Coalition for America Condemns Louisiana’s Unconstitutional Mandate to Display Ten Commandments in Public Schools
Publisher: In-Sight Publishing
Publisher Founding: September 1, 2014
Publisher Location: Fort Langley, Township of Langley, British Columbia, Canada
Publication: Freethought Newswire
Publication Date: June 20, 2024
Organization: Secular Coalition for America
Organization Description: The Secular Coalition for America advocates for religious freedom, as guaranteed by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and works to defend the equal rights of nonreligious Americans. Representing 20 national secular organizations, hundreds of local secular communities, and working with our allies in the faith community, we combine the power of grassroots activism with professional lobbying to make an impact on the laws and policies that govern separation of religion and government — or the improper encroachment of either on the other.
The Secular Coalition for America (SCA) strongly opposes the recent decision by Louisiana to require the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms, deeming it a blatant violation of the constitutional principle of separation of church and state.
Louisiana Governor Landry signed into law legislation that mandates the prominent placement of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom across the state. This move is not only discriminatory against religious minorities and non-religious individuals but also a clear breach of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.
“The decision by Louisiana lawmakers to impose religious symbols in public schools is deeply troubling and legally indefensible,” said Steven Emmert, Executive Director of the Secular Coalition for America. “Public schools are meant to be inclusive and welcoming to all students, regardless of their religious beliefs or non-belief. This mandate not only excludes those who do not adhere to the Judeo-Christian tradition but also sets a dangerous precedent for government endorsement of religious doctrine.”
The SCA emphasizes that public schools should remain neutral on matters of religion, ensuring that all students feel equally respected and valued. By mandating the display of the Ten Commandments, Louisiana’s government has ignored this fundamental principle, thereby exposing itself to legal challenges that could ultimately cost taxpayers substantial sums in legal fees and damages.
“We call on Governor Landry and the Louisiana legislature to reconsider this ill-advised law,” added Emmert. “It is imperative that our public institutions uphold the Constitution and refrain from promoting any particular religious viewpoint.”
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