Alabama lawmakers have introduced a new bill, House Bill 178 (HB 178), which would require public schools to display the Ten Commandments in common areas.

State Representative Mark Gidley, one of the bill’s sponsors, insists that the proposal is not about forcing religious beliefs on students but rather about restoring the moral values that shaped the nation.

“It’s not like we’re trying to force or push something; it’s simply an opportunity to return the moral compass that guided our nation for almost 200 years,” said Gidley.

However, the bill has sparked controversy, with some lawmakers arguing that public schools should focus on other pressing issues rather than religious displays.

What House Bill 178 Proposes

If passed, HB 178 would require the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public schools, but with certain conditions:

The display must be placed in a common area, such as a hallway or library.

It must be at least 11 by 14 inches in size to ensure visibility.

Local school boards will decide how and where to display them—it will not be mandatory for every classroom.

No public funding will be used—the displays will be privately funded through donations to avoid financial burdens on schools.

The bill also allows for the display of other historical documents, including:

The Declaration of Independence

The Magna Carta

The Mayflower Compact

Supporters argue that these documents, including the Ten Commandments, are foundational to America’s legal and moral system.

Why Supporters Say the Bill is Important

Representative Gidley and other supporters believe the Ten Commandments played a crucial role in shaping American history. They argue that displaying them in schools is a way to remind students of the moral values that built the country.

Gidley also emphasized that the bill is not forcing anyone to follow a specific religion.

“This is not about forcing anybody. We live in a free country. People can make their own decisions and have the right to do so. But our form of government and the foundation of who we are were built on these principles,” he said.

Another key argument in favor of the bill is that many students lack moral guidance, and having the Ten Commandments in schools could serve as a moral foundation for young people.

“People want America’s blessings, they want America’s prosperity, they want America’s freedoms, but they don’t always want the things that make America this great country. And you can’t have both,” Gidley added.

Opposition to the Bill

Not everyone agrees with placing religious texts in public schools. State Representative Laura Hall is among those who oppose the bill, arguing that Alabama lawmakers should focus on more pressing education issues.

“I just think we have so many issues to deal with. I don’t know that this is something I see as necessary. We’ve gone down this path before—this isn’t the first time. I just don’t think it’s needed,” Hall said.

Legal experts have also raised concerns that the bill could face legal challenges, as the U.S. Constitution prohibits the government from endorsing a particular religion.

One of the most well-known legal battles involving the Ten Commandments in Alabama involved former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore. In 2003, Moore was removed from office after installing a monument of the Ten Commandments in the Alabama Supreme Court building, which was later ruled unconstitutional.

Moore, who has long defended the presence of the Ten Commandments in government spaces, supports HB 178.

“I posted a display of the Ten Commandments at the Supreme Court of Alabama, and I was removed for that action by a judicial inquiry commission,” Moore said.

What Happens Next?

The next step for HB 178 is for it to be reviewed by the Education Policy Committee before it moves forward in the legislative process.

Representative Gidley has encouraged Alabama residents to follow the bill closely, as legal challenges are expected if it passes.

Even if the bill becomes law, courts may have the final say on whether it violates the separation of church and state.

Conclusion

House Bill 178 has reignited the debate over religion in public schools, with supporters arguing that it promotes moral values and opponents warning of potential constitutional violations.

As the bill moves forward, Alabama lawmakers must balance historical significance with legal and ethical considerations. Whether the Ten Commandments become a fixture in public schools or face legal roadblocks remains to be seen.