AUSTIN — The Texas Senate passed bills Wednesday that would require a display of the 10 commandments in every classroom and allow schools to set aside time for students and employees to read the Bible or other religious texts, and to pray.
Authored by Weatherford Republican state Sen. Phil King, Senate Bill 1515, requires Texas public school classrooms to prominently display the Ten Commandments in every classroom starting next school year.
“I think this would be a good, healthy step for Texas to bring back this tradition of recognizing America’s religious heritage,” King said. “And most importantly, remind students all across Texas of the importance of a fundamental foundation of America and Texas law.”
King said a recent U.S.Supreme Court decision cleared the way for this bill after it found that the country’s traditions, including religious ones, cannot be censored. He argued that the Ten Commandments were part of the fabric of America.
Annie Laurie, co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, said King’s interpretation of the cited Supreme Court ruling is misguided, adding that the court previously held that the Ten Commandments are undeniably a sacred text, therefore requiring its display is a violation of the separation of church and state.
She added that the true founding of America was to escape tyrannical governments that forced their personal religious beliefs on their citizens.
Laurie also called SB 1515 a “bossy bill,” as it mandates that the Ten Commandments must be 16 by 20 inches and located in a “conspicuous place” in every classroom.
“The state of Texas and its public schools have no business telling students which god to have, how many gods to have — or whether to have any gods at all,” Laurie said.
The bill passed 17-12 along party lines.
Lawmakers also passed SB 1396. Authored by state Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston, SB 1396 would allow public and charter schools to adopt a policy that requires every campus in their district to set aside a time for students and employees to read the Bible or other religious texts and to pray.
State Sen. Sara Eckhardt, D-Austin, questioned the need for the bill as students can currently go to school administrators and request a time and place to practice their religion.
Even so, the bill also passed 17-12 along party lines.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said in a statement of support for both bills that “allowing the Ten Commandments and prayer back into our public schools is one step we can take to make sure that all Texans have the right to freely express their sincerely held religious beliefs.”
“I believe that you cannot change the culture of the country until you change the culture of mankind,” he said. “Bringing the Ten Commandments and prayer back to our public schools will enable our students to become better Texans.”
Both have moved to the lower chamber and referred to house committees.