Ft Worth Times

Senate Bill (SB) 1515 – a piece of legislation that would require classrooms in public school districts across Texas to display a copy of the Ten Commandments – died on the floor of the Texas House of Representatives on Tuesday. 

Per a report from NewsNation, the bill authored by State Sen. Phil King (R-Weatherford) wasn’t brought to a vote in the lower chamber by the crucial midnight deadline.

SB 1515 easily garnered approval in the state Senate, but had a tougher time in the House. 

NewsNation reported that while it was read the first time, it wasn’t taken up for a second reading on what was the final day for Senate measures with two readings to be considered. 

Had the legislation passed the House and made into law with the governor’s signature, it would've called for the Ten Commandments display to be the same size as a poster and use the traditional “Thou shalt …” wording in each commandment.

King had asserted to Austin NBC affiliate KXAN SB 1515 would revive “the tradition of recognizing America’s religious heritage,” Lone Star Standard reported. 

The bill breathed new life into the debate on the separation of church and state, with supporters asserting the Ten Commandments are a part of the nation’s history, while critics argue it would run afoul of religious freedoms. 

Previous legislatures unsuccessfully tried to have such a measure go on the books.

According to CNN, with less than a week before the 88th legislative session reaches its slated conclusion, lawmakers could attempt to bring it back for a vote though the process would be more difficult than before. 

American Civil Liberties Union (ALCU) of Texas attorney David Donatti said the U.S. Constitution bars “the entanglement of church and state” and Texas Constitution guarantees religious freedom, NewsNation reported. 

“This bill … a great example of failed priorities and failed leadership,” Donatti said in the report. “Whether we celebrate Ramadan, Easter, Passover or nothing at all, people of all faiths and creeds should together resist the state’s endorsement of one particular religion.”