MONTGOMERY — After weeks of debate and negotiation, the House Education Policy Committee has advanced legislation mandating the placement of the Ten Commandments in Alabama's schools.
House Bill 178 (HB178) by State Rep. Mark Gidley (R-Hokes Bluff) would require each local board of education to display the Ten Commandments.
The bill would provide that no local board of education or public institution of higher education is required to use its funds to comply with the display requirement and that it may accept donations to comply with the display requirement.
"The Ten Commandments are a key part of the Judeo-Christian religious and moral tradition that shaped Western Civilization and ultimately the founding of the United States," the bill reads. "In particular, because they include what John Quincy Adams described as both 'civil and municipal' provisions as well as 'moral and religious' provisions, the Ten Commandments have historical significance as one of the foundations of our legal system. Teaching students about the Ten Commandments promotes historical understanding and helps to foster a common cultural heritage and awareness."
Gidley's bill is identical to a Senate version sponsored by State Sen. State Sen. Keith Kelley (R-Anniston), which cleared the Senate Education Policy Committee on Wednesday.
Both bill versions were substituted in their committees to alter provisions around the donation of funds or donated supplies.
The bill also initially required a display in institutions of higher education, which was removed in the substitute version. It would require the State Department of Education to identify and publicize free resources that local boards of education may use to comply with the display requirements.
The bill received a favorable report from the committee without a single "no" vote. It will now go to the House of Representatives for a full vote. Gidley told 1819 News that he did not know when that would be.
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