Baton Rouge, Louisiana – A lawsuit filed in federal court by several Louisiana families, supported by human rights groups, seeks to challenge a new state law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools. This legal battle is expected to escalate and potentially reach the U.S. Supreme Court, as Christian nationalists push to dismantle the long-standing separation of church and state.

The controversial law, known as HB71, was recently signed by Louisiana’s governor, Jeff Landry, making it the first state in the nation to require the prominent placement of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms. The legislation specifies the size and format in which the text must be exhibited, sparking concerns about its constitutionality.

Plaintiffs in the lawsuit, including religious leaders and community members, argue that the law violates the principles of the First Amendment, which guarantee both the establishment and free exercise of religion. They contend that the law sends a divisive message to students who may not share the same beliefs, potentially marginalizing them within their school communities.

Furthermore, the lawsuit challenges the historical basis cited in support of the law, pointing out that a quote attributed to James Madison linking the Ten Commandments to the foundation of the nation is fictitious. This misinformation, perpetuated by certain groups, serves to distort the true intentions behind the law and misrepresent its significance.

Individuals involved in the legal action, such as Reverend Jeff Sims and Joshua Herlands, express deep concerns about the impact of the law on religious freedom and the misrepresentation of their faith traditions. They emphasize the importance of maintaining the separation of church and state to ensure that families have the autonomy to choose how and when to introduce religious teachings to their children.

With over 600,000 students across 1,300 public schools in Louisiana affected by the law, the plaintiffs hope to secure an injunction to halt the implementation of the requirement. Supported by a coalition of human rights organizations, they advocate for the preservation of religious freedom and the upholding of constitutional values in the education system.

Rachel Laser, president of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, warns against the rise of Christian nationalism and the erosion of fundamental freedoms in the country. She stresses the need to protect the diverse religious landscape and ensure that all individuals have the right to practice their beliefs without imposition from the government.