The South Carolina House of Representatives has advanced legislation that would require the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public school and college classroom across the state. The measure passed with an 84-31 vote and now moves to the State Senate for further consideration.
The move follows a significant legal development in the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which recently lifted a block on a similar mandate in Louisiana. South Carolina lawmakers cited this judicial shift as a pathway for the Palmetto State to implement its own requirements for religious and historical displays in educational settings.
Under the provisions of the bill, each classroom—from elementary schools through public universities—must feature a poster or framed document measuring at least 11 by 13 inches. The display is required to include a specific statement detailing the historical significance of the Ten Commandments and their influence on American law and government.
In addition to the mandatory religious text, the bill grants schools the option to display other foundational American documents, though these remain voluntary. These include:
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The Mayflower Compact
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The Declaration of Independence
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The Emancipation Proclamation
Beyond physical displays, the legislation introduces a provision allowing schools to implement a volunteer school chaplain program. If finalized, school districts would have the authority to bring in chaplains to provide support and guidance to students on a voluntary basis. This component of the bill has been framed by supporters as an additional resource for student well-being, though it remains a point of discussion among constitutional advocates regarding the separation of church and state.
The bill’s passage in the House marks a milestone for proponents of traditional and religious values in the public school system. As the legislation heads to the Senate, it is expected to undergo rigorous debate concerning its potential impact on religious freedom and the potential for legal challenges from civil liberties organizations.
If approved by the Senate and signed by the Governor, South Carolina would join a growing number of states testing the legal boundaries of religious displays in the wake of recent federal court rulings.
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