CONTACT: media@tfn.org
AUSTIN, Texas — Governor Greg Abbott today signed Senate Bill 10 into law, requiring every public school classroom in Texas to display a version of the Ten Commandments specified by the state.
The bill, which originally passed the Senate, was amended in the House to require the Texas Attorney General to defend school districts in any lawsuits stemming from this mandate. This amendment was accepted by the Senate.
Texas Freedom Network Political Director Rocío Fierro-Pérez (she/her) issued the following response:
“This is a shameful day for Texas, and an assault on our most basic rights. By signing SB 10 into law, Governor Abbott is ignoring the constitutional principle of church-state separation and telling every child in this state what kind of faith is acceptable.
“Texas is home to millions of people of all religions, and of none. Our classrooms should reflect that diversity, not deny it. Religion is a sacred practice that should be directed by families and faith leaders, not the Texas government. No child should be told by the state that their beliefs are wrong, or that they don’t belong in their own school. This is government overreach in its most dangerous form.
“This is part of a broader effort to reshape our public schools to reflect one narrow worldview and to marginalize students and families who don’t conform to it. But Texans aren’t fooled. We know what freedom looks like, and it doesn’t look like this. We won’t stop fighting until every child in Texas is treated with dignity, no matter who they are or what they believe.”
In a review of public comments submitted to the House Public Education Committee, Texas Freedom Network found that 526 Texans registered opposition to the bill, while only 18 registered support.
While the 89th Regular Texas Legislative Session has come to a close, Texas Freedom Network’s advocacy for religious freedom will continue throughout 2025. The organization will educate Texans about new policy, track the effects of legislation on students and families, and engage in organizing at local school boards and the Texas State Board of Education, ensuring Texans have a voice when student curricula are being debated and voted upon.
In 2026, Texas Freedom Network and our youth project, Texas Rising Action, will endorse candidates for progressive change and mobilize Texans to the ballot box.
