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Lawmakers Hear Hours of Testimony on Bill to Require 10 Commandments Displays in Classrooms
Summary
The Montana Senate Judiciary Committee heard hours of testimony for and against Senate Bill 114, a proposal to require displays of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. Supporters called the displays historical; opponents said the measure violates the Establishment Clause and risks harm to Indigenous and non-Christian students.
The Senate Judiciary Committee on Jan. 14 heard more than three hours of testimony on Senate Bill 114, which would require a plaque displaying the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom in Montana.
Supporters, including bill sponsor Sen. Bob Phelan and representatives from religious-right legal groups and advocacy organizations, told the committee the Ten Commandments are foundational to Western legal traditions and education. "The Ten Commandments have profoundly influenced and shaped American law, government, and morality," sponsor Sen. Bob Phelan said during his opening remarks.
The bill prompted lengthy proponent testimony from groups and individuals including Matt Krause of First Liberty Institute, David Barton of WallBuilders Historical Organization, and representatives of the Montana Family Foundation and Montana Retail Association. Krause and Barton framed their support in legal and…
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