re: Another JL moment: 10 Commandments coming to La public schools.

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I do in fact do law stuff

Fortunately it was fairly recently, so it wasn’t hard to google, but just fyi that we reuse bill numbers every legislative session, so there’s a different HB 8 every session. But with that said, Google told me we’re talking about the In God We Trust bill, so we’re on the same page.

In God We Trust, as the official motto, on currency, and in classrooms, has been challenged for many decades. Ultimately, the courts have, at least up to this point, ruled that it was essentially a performative bit of ceremony that isn’t specifically religious in nature. I don’t necessarily agree with that, and I think it’s ripe for another look, but that’s the state of the law. Here’s a summary of the status quo: LINK /

For all of the reasons that the motto isn’t considered unconstitutional, it seems pretty clear to me that requiring the placing of the Ten Commandments in classrooms is, as they are expressly and overtly religious in nature, and particular to specific religions as well. The Ten Commandments have been allowed to be placed in public spaces as long as any/all religions were afforded the same privilege. Giving it pride of place, or exclusivity, is plainly unconstitutional , in my opinion.

But if after you read that link about the motto you want to chat about it in more depth, I’m happy to

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Appreciate the explanation, and yea totally should have noticed the reuse of the bill numbers. That's my bad

One of my kids is in public school and I was surprised to see the In God We Trust posters all over when she started.