Kentucky AG leads 17 other states in support of Louisiana Ten Commandments law

Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman on Wednesday led a coalition of 17 other states in a friend-of-the-court brief that supports Louisiana's "Ten Commandments" law that has faced multiple court challenges.

Louisiana in June became the first state to pass a law that would require public schools to display the Ten Commandments in "large, easily readable font" in every classroom. Supporters of the law have pointed to the text's influence on United States history as a reason to allow the law, but opponents claimed it infringes on the First Amendment and parents' control in the religious upbringing of their children.

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals last month allowed the law to go into effect in certain areas of the state not involved in the legal challenge, but kept the appeal on a preliminary injunction for the plaintiffs' school districts active.

The Coleman-led brief on Wednesday urged 5th Circuit to allow the law to take effect statewide, citing how the Ten Commandments are displayed in the U.S. Supreme Court. 

He also noted that the displays would include a three-paragraph “context statement" that explains how the Ten Commandments have been “a prominent part of American public education for almost three centuries.”

“From our founding documents to the establishment of the rule of law in the United States, the Ten Commandments’ influence on American history is undeniable,” Coleman said in a statement. “I am proud to support Attorney General Liz Murrill and Louisiana in the effort to preserve our shared history and educate future generations.”

Coleman was joined by the attorneys general of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Indiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and West Virginia.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.