(The Center Square) — Louisiana’s plan to mandate the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom is in legal limbo after a federal appeals court upheld a block on the controversial law.
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans denied the state’s request to lift a prior injunction issued by U.S. District Judge John deGravelles. Oral arguments on the case are set for Jan. 23.
The law, passed by the Republican-led Legislature earlier this year, was deemed “unconstitutional on its face” by deGravelles, who likened it to a Kentucky law struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in Stone v. Graham.
The judge said the mandate was overtly religious, coercive, and discriminatory, forcing students, who are legally required to attend school, into exposure to religious doctrine.
Supporters of the law argue it reflects the historical influence of the Ten Commandments on American law and insist schools can comply in ways that respect First Amendment rights.
Critics, including the Freedom From Religion Foundation, maintain the mandate violates constitutional protections against government endorsement of religion.
While the injunction currently applies to the five school districts named in the lawsuit, questions remain about enforcement across the state’s remaining 67 districts.
Attorney General Liz Murrill, who vowed an appeal, emphasized that school boards are independently elected entities and could have discretion in how to proceed.
The state argues that the preliminary injunction affects the five school districts that are defendants in the legal challenge.
The preliminary injunction blocks the law until the courts make a final determination.
