See the Reaction to the 10 Commandments Ruling in Louisiana

SHREVEPORT, LA – The fight over the Ten Commandments in classrooms in Louisiana hits a speed bump.

READ MORE: Court Ruling is in effect now.

A federal district court has issued a preliminary injunction in Rev. Roake v. Brumley. This ruling will prohibit Louisiana from moving forward with the display of the Ten Commandments in all Louisiana classrooms.

In the ruling, Judge John W. DeGravelles determined that Louisiana’s H.B. 71, enacted last June, violates the First Amendment and longstanding Supreme Court precedent. More than 40 years ago, in Stone v. Graham, the Supreme Court overturned a similar state statute, holding that the First Amendment bars public schools from posting such displays.

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What Does the Ruling Say?

These displays must be posted in every “classroom in each school,” all year round, regardless of subject matter, and regardless of the age of the student. Thus, the question is not whether the Biblical laws can ever be put on a poster; the issue is whether, as a matter of law, there is any constitutional way to display the Ten Commandments in accordance with the minimum requirements of the Act. In short, the Court finds that there is not. First, Stone remains good law and is directly on point, and this Court is bound to follow it. Second, even putting Stone aside, plaintiffs have adequately alleged that H.B. 71 fails to comply with the Establishment Clause analysis laid out in Kennedy and Fifth Circuit precedent.

This case is now likely headed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit on appeal.

This ruling, which was handed down today also recognizes that H.B. 71 would lead to unconstitutional religious coercion of the children-plaintiffs in the case by imposing religious doctrine on them for nearly every hour of the school day.

What Do the Two Sides Say?

Dodie Horton, photo courtesy of house.louisiana.gov

State Representative Dodie Horton of Haughton was the author of H.B. 71. She tells KEEL News:

"The Judge is an Obama appointee and we expected him to rule against us. It is a process. AG Murrell will immediately appeal as the effective date of the law is January 2025. I know God’s timing is perfect timing and we will win this war."

This latest ruling also directs the state to give notice to all schools that this preliminary injunction is in effect immediately and no signs should go up.

Rev Darcy Roake filed the suit and says “H.B. 71 is a direct infringement of our religious-freedom rights, and we’re pleased and relieved that the court ruled in our favor.”