Texas State Senate Republicans, have passed a pair of bills that would require public schools to display the Ten Commandments. The bill also gives students and staff a daily prayer period, and allows teachers to read the Bible. Late last week, both bills passed with a 17-12 vote, along party lines and now heads to the state’s House of Representatives.
Sponsored by State Sen. Phil King (R), the first bill, would require all public schools in Texas to display the Ten Commandments in every public and charter school classroom. Reportedly King said-
“This is an American tradition,”… “If schools in Texas do not have it in their funding to [display the Ten Commandments], they can accept private dollars for this.”
- State Sen. Phil King (R) TX
State Sen. Mayes Middleton (R), sponsor of the second bill, noted that the bill would require public schools to give students and staff a daily period of prayer time. Additionally, the bill would allow teachers to read religious texts and the Bible and as part of the curriculum.
Both bills are backed by Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) who said-
“allowing the Ten Commandments and prayer back into our public schools is one step we can take to make sure that all Texans have the right to freely express their sincerely held religious beliefs.”… “I believe that you cannot change the culture of the country until you change the culture of mankind,”… “Bringing the Ten Commandments and prayer back to our public schools will enable our students to become better Texans.”
- Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R)
It can be good to take a firm stand for what matters-
“It is in times like these where standing up for your beliefs and making tough and uncomfortable decisions can make a massive positive difference.”
-Adam Eason