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Bill to place Ten Commandments in history displays in classrooms wins committee favor despite constitutional concerns
Summary
HB216 would place a historical display of the Ten Commandments in fifth–twelfth grade classrooms when private funds are provided; the sponsor framed it as historical context, while some members raised separation‑of‑church‑and‑state and fairness concerns. The bill received a favorable report.
Representative Gidley presented HB216, a bill to place a historical display of the Ten Commandments in fifth through twelfth grade classrooms. He said the display would be educational and privately funded: "We also say that this bill does not require any financial contribution from the school system. It's all paid for with private funds." The sponsor described the poster as a historical reference to be displayed alongside other foundational documents.
Several members raised objections. Representative McClanahan said she believed similar efforts had previously been ruled unconstitutional and expressed concern about imposing Christianity in classrooms. "I still have a problem because it feels like we're ... trying to force Christianity on students no matter what their religion may be," McClanahan said. Committee members asked whether other historical documents, such as the U.S. Constitution or establishment‑clause text, would be displayed in context; the sponsor said those items would be included in the historical setting.
The sponsor emphasized that placement would be voluntary and contingent on private funding, and the bill specifies the displays are historical, not devotional. After discussion the committee gave the bill a favorable report.
