Let's talk about Texas making 3 for 3 for the 10 Commandments....

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Belle of the Ranch 4 min 1 speaker 5 chapters transcribed 1 month ago
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What is the Texas SB 10 law and why did a federal judge block it?

Belle of the Ranch 0:01
Well, howdy dare internet people it's Bell again. So today, we're going to talk about Texas making three for three on the Ten Commandments. In news that should come as no surprise to those who have read and understand the First Amendment to the U S Constitution. A federal judge in Texas ruled that several Texas school districts did not need to comply with a Texas law known as SB 10. That would require schools to post a sixteen by twenty inch poster. Featuring a specific version of the Ten Commandments in classrooms. The judge said the law quote Impermissibly takes sides on theological questions and officially favors Christian denominations over others.

How did the judge explain the constitutional conflict over the Ten Commandments poster?

Belle of the Ranch 0:49
Beyond favoring Christian denominations, the fact that the state selected and approved a specific translation of the commandments means that it actually favors certain denominations over others. The judge seemed to have fun with his lengthy fifty five page ruling. Musing about teenage boys asking quote Miss Walker, I know about lying and I love my parents, but how do I do adultery? The judge then went on to talk about how this would put poor Miss Walker in an awkward position because reproductive education in Texas is a hot topic. He referred to the theoretical impromptu discussion as a quote. Classic example of the law of unintended consequences in legislative edicts. More to the point, he said, that
Belle of the Ranch 1:44
Even though the Ten Commandments would not be affirmatively taught, the captive audience of students likely would have questions, which teachers would feel compelled to answer.

Why might the poster create legal issues for teachers and students in classrooms?

Belle of the Ranch 1:55
That's what they do. This would likely violate freedom of religion. This is the moment where somebody will say the First Amendment grants freedom of religion, not freedom from religion. That's cute, but it's also wrong. The religious freedom portion of the Constitution has two parts. The Free Exercise Clause You can practice your religion. And the Establishment Clause. The government can't make you practice a religion or show favoritism.

What are the broader First Amendment implications of the ruling for religious freedom?

Belle of the Ranch 2:27
This ruling was in no way a surprise. Similar laws have been hammered in courts in Louisiana and Arkansas lately. Giving those challenging the case a three for three record so far. The legal fights aren't over because the goal is to get this back to the Supreme Court, in hopes of them coming up with some creative interpretation of the Constitution that would allow the government to force its religion on people. In any normal Supreme Court, these cases would be rejected outright by the court. But this isn't a normal court. Honestly, I think the risk of dividing the conservative movement along denominational lines and thereby shattering a voting block might be the only thing that stops the court from saying it's okay.
Belle of the Ranch 3:17
If the court okay's these texts, it won't be long before vicious infighting occurs over which translation of text or which denomination's doctrine should be favored.

How could this case affect future Supreme Court battles over religion in public schools?

Belle of the Ranch 3:29
The judge in the Texas case seemed to understand the nature of many of the people who pushed these types of laws. He closed his ruling by saying that For those who disagree with the court's decision and who would do so with threats, vulgarities, and violence. Grace and peace unto you. May humankind of all faiths, beliefs, and nonbeliefs be reconciled one to another. Amen. If a judge has to preemptively attempt to diffuse threats, vulgarities, and violence, Maybe you should read Jesus' teachings a little bit closer instead of pushing posters. Anyway, it's just a thought. Y'all have a good day.

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