Judge deGravelles Blocks Louisiana's Ten Commandments Law as Unconstitutional

Nov 12, 2024, 06:00 PM

A federal judge has temporarily blocked a Louisiana law that would have required public schools to display the Ten Commandments in their classrooms by January 1st. U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles, an Obama appointee, ruled that the law is unconstitutional, violating the First Amendment's Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses. The judge stated that the law is "unconstitutional on its face and in all applications," noting that it conflicts with U.S. Supreme Court precedent and violates religious rights. The law, signed by Governor Jeff Landry, mandated that all public school classrooms in Louisiana display the Ten Commandments, but the preliminary injunction prevents it from taking effect while legal challenges proceed.