In a bold move, a group of diverse Louisiana families with children attending public schools have filed a lawsuit challenging the state's recently enacted law that requires the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms. The lawsuit, filed in federal court on Monday, argues that the law violates U.S. Supreme Court precedent and infringes upon the First Amendment rights of the families involved.

HB 71, the contentious legislation, mandates that all public school classrooms, from kindergarten to college level, must prominently display the religious Ten Commandments on a poster or framed document measuring at least 11 inches by 14 inches. The intent behind the law, according to its supporters, is to promote a moral code rather than endorse any particular religious belief.

The nine families involved in the lawsuit represent a wide range of faith backgrounds, including Jewish, Christian, Unitarian Universalist, and nonreligious individuals. Notably, the parents who have stepped forward include rabbis, pastors, and reverends.

The lawsuit contends that the new law is a violation of the separation of church and state as established by the Supreme Court's ruling in the Stone v. Graham case. Moreover, the families argue that the Ten Commandments display amounts to religious coercion, pressuring students into religious observance and endorsing a specific religious preference. The complaint also highlights concerns about religious division and exclusion, suggesting that students who do not adhere to the displayed Ten Commandments may feel marginalized within their own school community.

Proponents of HB 71, however, assert that the law is not meant to promote any particular religion. State Rep. Dodie Horton, the primary sponsor of the bill, stated during an April hearing that the law is intended to teach a moral code rather than preach a specific religious doctrine.

According to the language of the law, it argues that displaying the Ten Commandments is essential for understanding the historical foundation of the nation and the importance of civic morality in self-government. Governor Jeff Landry, who signed the bill into law, emphasized the significance of the Ten Commandments as the basis for the rule of law during a recent press conference. HB 71 is among 18 bills signed by Landry as part of his "Dream Big" education plan to reintroduce what he calls "common sense" into classrooms.

Public schools have until January 2025 to comply with the law, as the display posters will be funded through private donations rather than state funds. The law, however, does not outline potential consequences for schools that fail to meet the requirement.

As this legal battle unfolds, it remains to be seen how the court will navigate the complex issues of religious freedom, separation of church and state, and the rights of students from diverse faith backgrounds.