Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Displays Religion topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee votes to report measure authorizing Ten Commandments display after heated legal debate
Summary
A bill to authorize installation of the Ten Commandments on Capitol grounds was reported favorable after supporters emphasized historical significance and opponents, including the ACLU, warned of constitutional risk and potential litigation following a cited Arkansas decision.
A House committee voted to report Senate Bill 307, which would authorize the placement of a Ten Commandments display on Louisiana State Capitol grounds, after extensive debate about religious symbolism, legal risk and whether other historical documents should be treated the same.
Senator Edmonds, the bill’s sponsor, framed the measure as recognizing a foundational historical document. "Welisted these as historical documents that have significance to our nation and our history," he said, adding that placement would be at the director of administrations discretion and intended to be "no charge to the taxpayer." Supporters argued the monument would mirror other longstanding displays of founding documents in public life.
Sarah Whittington of the ACLU of Louisiana testified in opposition, warning the committee that singling out a religious document for placement on state grounds risks constitutional challenge. She cited recent litigation in Arkansas, saying, "I believe it came down, in March 2026. So March 2026, the court struck down the placement of the 10 commandments at the Arkansas State Capitol." Whittington argued the bill singles out the Ten Commandments while naming other foundational documents but providing no guarantee they would be displayed similarly.
Committee members pressed both sides on legal precedent and practical details including maintenance and whether other documents or the Golden Rule should be added. Senator Edmonds referenced Van Orden v. Perry (2005) as relevant Supreme Court precedent on Ten Commandments displays and said the bill was designed with that case in mind.
The committee held a roll-call on the motion to report the bill; the clerk recorded eight yeas and six nays and the bill was reported for floor consideration. Committee discussion left open some unresolved questions staff said could be addressed before or on the floor, including maintenance arrangements and whether to broaden the list of documents to be displayed.
The ACLU counsel warned passage could invite litigation; supporters said placement would reflect historical recognition rather than government establishment of religion. The committee's recorded vote moves the measure to the next stage of consideration.
