Attorney General Steve Marshall announced his participation in an 18-state coalition supporting Louisiana's law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. The coalition is led by Kentucky and includes attorneys general from several states, including Alabama.
The law, passed earlier this year by Louisiana's legislature, requires all public K-12 schools and state-funded universities to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms. Governor Jeff Landry signed the bill into law in June. However, a federal district court judge blocked its implementation in November.
The Ten Commandments have historically been considered significant as part of the foundation of the United States' legal system. They are depicted in various prominent buildings, including the U.S. Supreme Court.
Attorney General Marshall expressed support for the law, stating: “It is hard to understand how one could argue that a renewed emphasis on this part of our nation’s heritage through the display of the Ten Commandments could be detrimental to our students.” He praised Louisiana for emphasizing founding principles in education.
In addition to Alabama and Kentucky, other states joining the complaint include Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Indiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and West Virginia.