Texas House passes bill mandating display of 10 Commandments in public school classrooms

ISTANBUL

The Texas House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 10 (SB 10) on Sunday, requiring all public school classrooms in the US state to display the Ten Commandments.

The bill, approved by a vote of 82-46, mandates that a durable poster or framed copy of a specific English version of the Ten Commandments measuring at least 16 inches wide and 20 inches tall (40.6 by 50.8 centimeters) be placed in a visible location in each classroom.

The posters must adhere to the text and size outlined in the legislation and no alternative versions or similar posters are allowed.

It must now return to the Senate for approval, after which it would be sent to Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott’s desk for his signature. If enacted, it would take effect in the 2025–2026 school year.

The bill passed in the Senate in March with a 20-11 vote.

Separately, lawmakers also passed SB 11 last week, allowing school districts to designate time for voluntary prayer or religious expression during school hours, which is expected to receive Abbott’s approval.