SUMMARY

• Texas Senate approves bill requiring display of Ten Commandments in public schools
• New legislation seen as part of broader push for religious presence in education
• Critics argue taxpayer money should not be used for religious texts, parents should handle religious education

Hey folks, let me tell you about this interesting development down in Texas. The state Senate has just approved a bill that would make displaying the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom mandatory starting next school year. That's right, Senate Bill 1515 is now on its way to the House for consideration.

This isn't the first time Texas Republicans have tried to bring religion into public schools. Just a couple of years ago, they passed a law requiring schools to show off donated "In God We Trust" signs. The mastermind behind the new bill, Sen. Phil King, thinks the Ten Commandments are a crucial part of American heritage, and it's time they made a comeback in the classroom.

Now, you might be wondering about the legal side of things. Well, King says the U.S. Supreme Court has already cleared the way for this bill. Remember Joe Kennedy, the high school football coach who got fired for praying at games? The court sided with him, and that's giving King some confidence.

But wait, there's more! The Texas Senate also approved Senate Bill 1396, which would let public and charter schools create policies for students and employees to read religious texts and pray on campus. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is all for it, saying both bills are big wins for religious freedom in the Lone Star State.

Of course, not everyone's on board. Some, like John Litzler from the Texas Baptists Christian Life Commission, think taxpayer money shouldn't be used for religious texts, and parents, not schools, should be discussing religion with their kids. The debate continues as the bill moves through the legislative process.
WOM Money Picks

Be a part of the winning team | 81% Success Rate.