Louisiana will delay implementing a new law that requires a display of the Ten Commandments in every public classroom, following a lawsuit filed by parents from various faith backgrounds. The defendants agreed to hold off on placing posters until November 15 to allow time for a trial and decision. The law, drafted by Republican state Rep. Dodie Horton and signed by Gov. Jeff Landry, mandates the display of the religious rules in schools from kindergarten to universities. The law has drawn national attention, with support from Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Critics argue that the displays will create an unwelcoming and oppressive school environment for students who do not believe in the state’s official scripture. Louisiana is not the first state to attempt such a mandate, with more than a dozen states trying similar bills over the years. In 1978, Kentucky passed a similar law, but it was ruled against by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1980. Arizona also introduced a bill earlier this year to display the Ten Commandments in schools, but it was ultimately vetoed by the governor. The new law in Louisiana is set to be further evaluated in a hearing in September, with a ruling expected by mid-November.
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