Haughton, Louisiana – A Louisiana lawmaker, State Rep. Dodie Horton, has stirred controversy by pushing for a law that mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms across the state. This move is part of Horton’s ongoing involvement in the culture wars, as she also advocates for legislation that prohibits discussions on gender identity and sexual orientation in schools. The Ten Commandments law has been signed by Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, sparking concerns from civil liberties groups about its constitutionality.
Critics of the Ten Commandments law, citing a Supreme Court ruling from 1980, argue that displaying religious symbols in public school classrooms is unconstitutional. Despite these challenges, Horton remains steadfast in her support for incorporating religious teachings into the educational system. She has emphasized the importance of instilling moral values in children by having them learn about God’s laws.
One potential obstacle facing the implementation of the law is the specific version of the Ten Commandments that is to be displayed in classrooms. The statute calls for the Protestant version, which differs slightly from the versions used by Catholics and Jews. This discrepancy could lead to legal and liturgical complications down the line.
Horton, who represents a predominantly Protestant district in Louisiana, has a history of introducing controversial bills related to education and religion. While her “Don’t Say Gay” bill did not pass, she successfully championed a law requiring public schools to display the motto “In God We Trust” in classrooms. Despite facing criticism, Horton continues to advocate for policies that align with her conservative beliefs, positioning herself as a staunch defender of traditional values in the state legislature.
As a self-described “problem solver,” Horton has focused on issues like crime prevention, tax cuts, and insurance rate reductions in her legislative agenda. While she has faced pushback on some of her proposals, Horton remains committed to representing the interests of her constituents in Louisiana. Her actions and statements have garnered national attention, highlighting the ongoing debates surrounding the intersection of religion and education in the United States.