Bill to display Ten Commandments in public schools in Texas advances

Texas could become the largest state in the nation to require public school classrooms

to display the Ten Commandments under legislation advancing through the Republican-led statehouse

The House gave its approval to Senate Bill 10 over the weekend and moved one step closer

According to the Texas Tribune, the bill mandates that every classroom visibly display

a poster of at least 16 by 20 inches or a framed copy of an English version of the Ten Commandments

It would be the same language from the King James Bible as used on the monument outside the state capitol in Austin

Supporters believe the Ten Commandments and teachings of Christianity are at the core of American history

Critics argue it's a constitutional violation of church and state and would infringe on the religious freedom of others

Republican State Representative Brett Money said kids in public schools need prayer and need Bible reading now more than ever

The teachers union in Texas opposes the bill, saying public schools are not supposed to be a Sunday school

Texas is one of more than a dozen states where lawmakers have pursued such bills

Last June, a federal court struck down a law in Louisiana that required all public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments

The state is now appealing that decision. Houston public media cited several Democrats who contend that about one third of Texans are neither Christian nor Jewish

and as a result do not consider the Ten Commandments to be at the center of their beliefs

Democratic representatives attempted to amend the Texas bill to require schools to display other religious texts or translations, but their efforts failed

The bill now goes back to the Senate, which is expected to approve it. The governor has indicated he will sign it into law

The measure would take effect in September. A court battle will likely ensue

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