Louisiana: The Ten Commandments must be displayed in public classrooms under new law

[politicallefty]

Keep in mind that overturning Roe was only one of the major long term goals for the right-wing takeover of the courts. There is a goal and a movement which predates Roe, the return of religion and prayer into public schools. Unlike the debate over abortion, this has largely flown under the radar for the average person. They've played the long game here and I think they're winning, at least in terms of realized and potential legal victories.

Those saying this is blatantly unconstitutional are right as long as you have courts that don't relegate the Establishment Clause to a mere footnote. I've said many times here that I think Engel v. Vitale and its progeny will have a very difficult time surviving this Court and I reiterate that point now. Stone v Graham was only a 5-4 decision in 1980 and the precedent guiding that decision (Lemon) has been overruled in all but name. I am not at all optimistic about how this new law will be received by the courts and I think Louisiana is (and also remember that Louisiana is in the 5th Circuit).

[politicallefty]

Question for anyone and everyone in the forum:
What would be your reaction if a state legislature passed a law, and Governor signed it, that required all public school students -- of one particular grade, like maybe eighth grade -- watch Cecil B. DeMille's The Ten Commandments, starring Charlton Heston, every year?

I would probably strike it down.

[politicallefty]

Question for anyone and everyone in the forum:
What would be your reaction if a state legislature passed a law, and Governor signed it, that required all public school students -- of one particular grade, like maybe eighth grade -- watch Cecil B. DeMille's The Ten Commandments, starring Charlton Heston, every year?

I would probably strike it down.

Well, at least I got one response. And this particular user's reply doesn't surprise me.

I did say "probably", not definitely. Everyone starts at a particular position, but there's a reason we have briefs and oral arguments. I would need to see more details. But yes, you are aware of my strict stance with respect to the Establishment Clause. The government would have a very difficult task before itself though. Unlike many cases involving religion, there is no competing right with the Free Exercise Clause in your hypothetical. Many cases involve the balancing of the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause. This would be a case of balancing the Establishment Clause with government interests. This new Louisiana law is similar in that respect.

I think our society would instead benefit by requiring all classrooms to display a large poster of the Bill of Rights.