Tennessee House approves bill allowing schools to display Ten Commandments alongside historical documents

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee House of Representatives on the floor approved House Bill 47, a measure that would permit local school systems to display the Ten Commandments alongside other historical documents, the bill’s sponsor said, “as long as they’re displayed in their historical context.” Representative Hill, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure “does not require our schools to display anything, but [provides] legal protection for those that choose to do so.”

Opponents warned the bill risks a government endorsement of religion in public schools. Representative Pearson said the proposal is “antithetical to the purposes of education” because students and taxpayers of all faiths — and no faith — attend public schools. “When the state is putting biblical documents into the school, it is subtly or overtly endorsing a particular belief,” she said.

Representative Love questioned where displays would be placed and how they might be perceived by families of other faiths; the sponsor repeated the measure is permissive and said placement would be left to local schools. Chairman Clemens and Chairman Collins pressed for clarification about whether existing practice already permits the display of founding documents; the sponsor answered that the bill ensures the Ten Commandments may be displayed along with constitutions and other founding texts.

Supporters argued the resolution leaves decisions to local school boards and parents. Representative Fritz said the bill does not force display on any school and praised the sponsor’s approach as leaving authority with parents and local education agencies.

Before final passage, the previous question was ordered by a vote of 69 ayes to 25 nays. On final passage the Speaker announced the result as 75 ayes, 17 nays and 1 present-not-voting; the Speaker declared that a constitutional majority had voted and the bill passed.

The measure’s language repeatedly described the display as permissive and limited to “historical context.” The debate on the floor focused on constitutional concerns about establishment of religion and on whether the bill would create pressure on schools or students. No amendments were filed on the floor during third consideration. The bill now proceeds according to the chamber’s regular messages and enrollment procedures.

— Reported from the floor of the Tennessee House of Representatives; the chamber recessed following additional messages.