Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has defended the controversial law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms, suggesting that parents who object should simply tell their children not to look at them.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has sparked controversy with his recent comments on the state's new law requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms. In a press conference, Landry defended the legislation, arguing that it represents the will of the people and that parents who are concerned should tell their children to "not look" at the commandments.
The move has drawn criticism from groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union and the Freedom From Religion Foundation, which have filed a lawsuit arguing that the display of religious text in schools violates the Constitution. Landry, however, dismissed these concerns, stating, "I think we've forgotten in this country that democracy actually means majority rules."
Gov. Landry Defends Ten Commandments Display in Schools, Advises Parents to "Tell the Child Not to Look
The governor's remarks have been met with a mix of reactions. Some parents have expressed support for the law, arguing that the Ten Commandments provide valuable moral guidance for students. Others, however, have criticized the legislation as unconstitutional and divisive.
According to the lawsuit filed against the law, the display of the Ten Commandments in schools violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, which prohibits the government from endorsing or promoting a particular religion. The plaintiffs argue that the law is a clear violation of this principle, as it places religious text in a public setting where all students are required to attend.
Gov. Landry Defends Ten Commandments Display in Schools, Advises Parents to "Tell the Child Not to Look
Landry has argued that the law does not violate the Constitution because it does not require schools to teach or endorse the Ten Commandments. However, legal experts have questioned the validity of this argument, noting that the mere display of religious text in a public school classroom could be perceived as government endorsement of that religion.
The Louisiana State Legislature passed House Bill 71, which mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in schools, in June. The bill was introduced by Republican state Rep. Dodie Horton and passed with the support of both Republican and Democratic lawmakers.
Gov. Landry Defends Ten Commandments Display in Schools, Advises Parents to "Tell the Child Not to Look
The law requires that the Ten Commandments be printed on a poster no smaller than 11 inches by 14 inches and that the poster be displayed in a central location in every classroom. The law does not require public funds to be used for the purchase of the posters, but it allows for private donations to be collected for this purpose.
The controversy over the display of the Ten Commandments in schools has reignited the debate over the separation of church and state. Some argue that the law is a necessary affirmation of traditional values, while others believe that it is a violation of religious freedom.
Gov. Landry Defends Ten Commandments Display in Schools, Advises Parents to "Tell the Child Not to Look
The lawsuit against the law is expected to proceed through the court system, and the final outcome of the case will likely have significant implications for the future of religious expression in public schools.
