Duplessis also expressed concern that the law would lead to costly lawsuits. “We’re going to spend valuable state resources defending the law when we really need to be teaching our kids how to read and write,” he told lawmakers.
Groups including the American Civil Liberties Union and the Freedom From Religion Foundation have indicated they will challenge the new law. In a joint statement, several organizations that advocate for church-state separation called the requirement “blatantly unconstitutional.”
“Politicians have no business imposing their preferred religious doctrine on students and families in public schools,” the statement reads. Different religious denominations and traditions use varied 10 Commandments wording, it notes, and “the government should not be taking sides in this theological debate.”
News of the law’s signing led to debate on social media. Some people labeled it “indoctrination.” Others pointed to the apparent disregard of the 10 Commandments by former President—and current Republican presidential candidate—Donald Trump.
“They want the 10 commandments posted in government spaces,” wrote Pastor Matt Carr. “They also want you to elect a man to the highest government office who constantly and stridently violates every one of them.”
RELATED: Netflix’s New Docuseries on Moses Highlights His Inner Life, Struggles With Obeying God’s Commands
Another theme of online comments involved the messages Christians might be sending. “‘When I was hungry you put up posters of the Ten Commandments in my classroom while making sure I didn’t get lunch at school,’” wrote Pastor Benjamin Cremer. “’Whatever you do for the least of these, you do unto me.’ –Jesus.”
