A federal court has blocked a Texas state law requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom. CBS News reporter Karen Hua has more details.

Texas

A federal court has issued a temporary block on a Texas law that would require public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom. The judge determined that the law likely violates the First Amendment, which protects freedom of religion, and could pressure students to adopt the state's preferred religious views or suppress their own beliefs.

The law, which was set to take effect soon, faced legal challenges from families of Christian, Jewish, Hindu, and non-religious backgrounds, as well as the Texas ACLU. While some, including Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, support the law for its perceived moral benefits, the court's decision is expected to be appealed.

Court blocks Texas law requiring schools to display Ten Commandments

A federal court just blocked a Texas state law requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every single classroom. CBS News reporter Karen Wah joins us live from Houston. Karen, what was the judge's reasoning behind this? Hey Elizabeth, good to be with you. So the judge ultimately said that requiring every public school classroom to display the Ten Commandments violates the First Amendment, which includes freedom of religion. But for now, the court has temporarily blocked this law, which would have made schools comply by at least September 1st. Since this bill initially passed in June, at least a dozen families have filed a lawsuit against at least 11 school districts across Texas. Now these plaintiffs include families of Christian, Jewish, Hindu, and non-religious faith. And they, along with the Texas ACLU, say the law forces religion on students of different faiths. The judge ruled, quote, the displays are likely to pressure the child plaintiffs into adoption of the state's favored religious scripture and into suppressing expressions of their own religious or non-religious beliefs while at school. Elizabeth. So, Karen, how are the parties involved responding to the block? Well, Elizabeth, we know one of the plaintiffs is Rabbi Mara, and she said, quote, children's religious beliefs should be instilled by parents in faith communities, not politicians and public schools. On the other side of the coin, we have Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who says the Ten Commandments will encourage students to behave better. Quote, the Ten Commandments are a cornerstone of our moral and legal heritage, and their presence in classrooms serves as a reminder of the values that guide responsible citizenship. So Paxton says the state will ultimately appeal the court's decision. Elizabeth. Karen Wah, live for us in Houston. Thanks so much, Karen.

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Jerusalem

Middle East Conflict

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Ukraine Invasion

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East Coast of the United States

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Breakdown