Judge Rejects Bid to Block Ten Commandments Mandate

Three Houston-area mothers of schoolchildren lost an attempt on Friday to halt a new Texas law that directs public schools to post the Ten Commandments in every classroom. A judge denied a request for a temporary restraining order that would have affected three school districts, per KHOU. The filing was part of a lawsuit filed by the women arguing that the law clashes with the state's Religious Freedom Restoration Act and a recently passed parental-rights amendment. They say the mandate promotes one faith's rules to all students, CBS News reports, and undermines their ability to shape their children's religious education.

Supporters of the law, including Attorney General Ken Paxton and the group Texas Values, counter that the Ten Commandments are part of the nation's heritage and should be visible in schools. The lawsuit lands as a separate federal challenge—already upheld by the Fifth Circuit—appears headed to the Supreme Court. At least one district, Arlington ISD, is holding off on displays while the legal fight plays out.