Some Alabama lawmakers want the Ten Commandments displayed in schools. A pre-filed bill would require schools to display the Ten Commandments in common areas.
WAAY 31 spoke with State Rep. Mark Gidley on Friday. He says this bill, HB 178, isn’t about forcing beliefs on anyone but about restoring things to how they used to be. Others disagree.
“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.
HB 178 follows Gov. Kay Ivey’s call in her State of the State address to include "key historical documents" - such as the Ten Commandments - in classrooms.
“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, and it’s a part of who we are historically,†Gidley added.
The bill also comes amid ongoing legal battles over religion and government—something former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore is familiar with.
“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,†said Moore.
Moore and Gidley believe the Ten Commandments deserve a place in schools.
But others, like State Rep. Laura Hall, say it’s unnecessary.
“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.
Gidley clarifies the commandments won’t be in every classroom. Instead, local school boards will decide where and how they’re displayed, as long as they’re placed in a public space like a library or hallway and measure at least 11 by 14 inches.
He also says the cost won’t fall on schools.
“There’s no fiscal responsibility for the school itself. These are to be paid for with private donations, so this will not create any financial burden on any school system,†Gidley explained.
The bill also allows school boards to display other historical documents, including the Declaration of Independence, the Mayflower Compact, and the Magna Carta.
“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 said.
The next step is for the bill to go before the education policy committee.
Gidley says that won’t happen within the next week, but he urges people to keep an eye on it.
Legal battles are likely to follow.
