A US federal appeals court has ruled that Texas can require the display of the Bible’s Ten Commandments in public school classrooms, handing a significant legal victory to supporters who argue for a greater role of religion in education.

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, in a 120-page decision issued in New Orleans on Tuesday, upheld the constitutionality of Senate Bill 10 (SB10), a 2025 law mandating the posting of the scripture in every classroom across the state.

The court found that the requirement does not impose “a substantial burden” on the religious freedoms of students or parents, stating that opponents failed to demonstrate that the law infringes on their rights under the First Amendment. Judges also ruled that the measure does not violate the Establishment Clause, which bars the government from favoring one religion over another.

The case arose after families from diverse religious backgrounds, along with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), challenged the law, arguing that religious instruction should remain the responsibility of parents and faith communities rather than public schools.

Reacting to the ruling, the ACLU expressed strong disappointment, warning that the decision undermines the constitutional principle of separation of church and state.

“The First Amendment safeguards the freedom of families to choose how, when, and if to provide their children with religious instruction,” the group said, adding that it is considering an appeal to the US Supreme Court.

The appellate decision overturns an earlier ruling by a district court judge, who had blocked the law, arguing that it “impermissibly takes sides on theological questions” and favors Christianity over other religions.

In its reasoning, the appeals court pointed to existing practices in public schools, such as the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, which includes the phrase “one nation, under God,” as part of the broader cultural context.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton welcomed the ruling, describing the Ten Commandments as foundational to the nation’s heritage and emphasizing the importance of exposing students to them.

The controversial case is widely expected to face further legal scrutiny, with the possibility of a final decision by the US Supreme Court that could have far-reaching implications for the role of religion in American public education.