Texas Pushes Ten Commandments in Classrooms: Moral Win or Legal Risk?

Texas lawmakers have sparked a heated debate with a new bill mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom, a move praised by pro-life leader Shawn Carney as a bold step toward restoring moral clarity. The legislation, now awaiting Gov. Greg Abbott’s signature, requires posters or framed copies of the commandments—measuring at least 16 by 20 inches—to be prominently displayed and legible across classrooms starting in the 2025–26 school year.

Carney, head of the global pro-life group 40 Days for Life, called the bill a cultural triumph. “The Ten Commandments are the bedrock of decency—don’t steal, don’t kill, don’t cheat. Pretty universal, right?” he quipped. He sees the law as a pushback against what he calls a “secular fog” clouding schools, where violence and moral drift have taken root. “Kids need a compass, not a lecture on why nothing matters,” he added.

Critics argue the bill flirts with violating the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause, but Carney dismisses the concern. “Moses is literally carved into the U.S. Capitol. Nobody’s clutching pearls over that,” he said, noting that the Founding Fathers aimed to shield religious freedom, not erase faith from public life. He pointed to historical context, arguing that figures like Jefferson championed separation of church and state to protect belief, not banish it.

The bill follows similar laws in Louisiana and Arkansas, setting a potential blueprint for other states. While the Supreme Court struck down a comparable law in 1980, Carney is optimistic about legal challenges, citing a shifting judicial landscape. “This isn’t just about Texas—it’s a signal to the nation. Morality isn’t optional,” he said.

Supporters view the commandments as a universal code of conduct, while opponents warn of constitutional battles ahead. For Carney, it’s simple: “Even if you don’t believe in God, these rules are the DNA of civilization. We’re just reminding kids what ‘right’ looks like.”