A suit was filed by some parents against local school districts challenging the law, and today the judge who heard arguments said a decision will come soon.
SAN ANTONIO — There is no ruling yet from a federal judge in San Antonio on whether a new law requiring the Ten Commandments be displayed in classrooms is constitutional.
A suit was filed by some parents against local school districts challenging the law, and today the judge who heard arguments said a decision will come soon.
The attorneys representing over a dozen parents against the Ten Commandments in schools, said if the law goes into effect, it’s coercion. Meanwhile, the defense stated over and over that the Ten Commandments are part of American history and should be in public schools.
For the plaintiff’s attorney Jonathan Youngwood – the argument is clear – quote “Senate Bill 10 goes beyond exposure” and is coercion when it makes Texas schools put the Ten Commandments in their classrooms.
In his last arguments, Youngwood also stated the text goes against his plaintiff’s beliefs.
Youngwood sent this statement following the hearing:
“We were pleased to present our case and arguments to Judge Biery, and look forward to his ruling. Our lawsuit is necessary to protect the religious freedom of all Texas public schoolchildren and their families. Today we urged the court to block S.B. 10 from being implemented because it violates the Constitution’s promise of religious freedom and church-state separation.”
The defense representing multiple school districts – Attorney William Farrell – drove home in court that the Ten Commandments have always influenced American history, which he said is quote “saturated with religious texts.”
Their defense is the text is one of influence, not law. He argues Senate Bill 10 does not restrict or exclude anything for students or parents.
We reached out to Farrell’s office but they have not responded for comment.
We also reached out to Northeast, Northside, Alamo Heights and Lackland ISDs on the case but they cannot comment on pending litigation.
A decision has not been made – but Federal Judge Fred Biery says he will issue one before the deadline of Sept. 1, when the bill is expected to take effect.