Fifth Circuit Sets Jan. 20 Hearing on Texas, Louisiana Ten Commandments School Laws
Lower-court orders have restrained enforcement while state officials pursue reversal on appeal.
Overview
- The full Fifth Circuit will hear consolidated oral arguments at 1 p.m. on Jan. 20 in New Orleans.
- The appeals follow rulings that found the Texas mandate unconstitutional and blocked or limited enforcement in named districts.
- Judge Fred Biery’s August decision said the Texas law coerces students by elevating a state-approved Christian version of the text.
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton appealed and has defended the displays as reflecting the state’s moral and legal heritage.
- Texas’ law requires a donated Ten Commandments poster at least 16 by 20 inches, prominently visible in each classroom, with some districts already posting copies despite case-by-case injunctions.