Judge Stops Louisiana's Ten Commandments Classroom Rule

A federal judge in Louisiana has put a temporary halt to a new law that would require public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments. The judge, John W. deGravelles, said the law is likely unconstitutional because it promotes one religion. This means the law can't go into effect while the case is being decided. The law was supposed to start on January 1. State officials didn't like the judge's decision. They plan to appeal it. They think the Ten Commandments are important for their historical significance in U. S. law. But the judge said other important documents, like the Constitution, don't have to be displayed. The law was passed by Louisiana's state legislature earlier this year. It was supported by the state's governor and attorney general, both Republicans. The law says the Ten Commandments should be displayed on a poster at least 11 inches by 14 inches, with a special statement explaining their history. Some people worry that the law might make non-Christian students feel left out. They think it's not fair for the government to tell schools what religious beliefs to display. Similar laws have been proposed in other states, but none have gone into effect due to legal concerns. In the past, the U. S. Supreme Court has said it's not okay for the government to promote one religion over others. This is what the lawsuit against Louisiana's law is based on.