Fifth Circuit Upholds Texas Ten Commandments Law
Fifth Circuit says Texas law requiring Ten Commandments in classrooms does not violate the First Amendment, setting up a potential Supreme Court clash.
CBS NewsFederal appeals court upholds Texas law requiring Ten Commandments in classrooms
PBS NewsHourAppeals court rules Texas can require public schools to display Ten Commandments in class
ChronTexas can require public schools to display Ten Commandments, court rules
Raw StoryConservative appeals court rules red state can force schools to post Ten Commandments
Overview
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday that Texas can require Ten Commandments displays in public school classrooms, reversing a district court judgment.
In June 2025 the Texas Legislature enacted Senate Bill 10 requiring durable posters or framed copies of the Ten Commandments at least 16 inches wide and 20 inches tall in each classroom.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton called the ruling "a major victory for Texas and our moral values," and the American Civil Liberties Union said it was "extremely disappointed."
A lawsuit filed in early December 2025 was brought on behalf of 18 families and named 16 school districts as defendants in the U.S. District Court in San Antonio.
The case could ultimately end up before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover the ruling largely without editorial framing, using neutral legal reporting and balanced sourcing. They report the 5th Circuit decision factually, include quotes from Texas AG Ken Paxton and from the ACLU, note broader Republican efforts and potential Supreme Court clash, and avoid loaded evaluative language in their descriptions.