Federal Judge Blocks Louisiana's Ten Commandments Law, Citing First Amendment Violation

Nov 12, 2024, 04:28 PM

A U.S. federal judge has temporarily blocked a Louisiana law requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public classroom by January 1, granting a preliminary injunction on Tuesday. U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles, an Obama appointee, ruled that the law is "unconstitutional on its face and in all applications," violating the First Amendment’s establishment and free exercise clauses by conflicting with Supreme Court precedent and infringing on religious freedom rights. The injunction was granted after a coalition of parents filed a lawsuit challenging the law. The judge indicated that the plaintiffs are likely to succeed in their case.