Ten Commandments bill sparks debate in USA

A bill requiring Texas public schools to display posters of the Ten Commandments in every classroom is causing debate, even among Christians, over the separation of church and state in the US.

The bill cleared state legislature in May and is headed to the Governor, Greg Abbott’s desk, where it is expected to be signed.

“We should be encouraging our students to read and study their Bible every day,” said Texas State Rep., Brent Money. “Our kids in our public schools need prayer, need Bible reading, more now than they ever have.”

Fifteen other states have pursued similar legislation to date, though not always successfully. Last year, a Ten Commandments law was vetoed in Louisiana for being unconstitutional on the grounds of separation of church and state. However, Texas has proved more successful in incorporating Christian values into the public school system, with the State Board of Education approving a Biblical curriculum just last year. However, critics don’t think Christian beliefs should be brought into the classroom.

“Public schools are not supposed to be Sunday School,” said Clay Robison, a spokesperson of the Texas State Teachers Association who opposed the bill.

“My faith means more to me than anything, but I don’t believe the government should be forcing religion onto any American citizen, especially our children,” said Rep. James Talarico. “I’m a Christian who firmly believes in the separation of church and state.”