MONTGOMERY — Democrats in the House of Representatives let their ire be known during Thursday's meeting, spending over an hour railing against proposed 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 specifies that no board of education would be compelled to use public money to fund displays, instead relying on donations.
Far from being an ostensibly religious bill, Gidley argues that the Ten Commandments are a historical artifact at the heart of the formation of America and Western civilization as a whole.
"It's not just about promoting a religion," Gidley said. "It's not just about putting up a religious symbol. It's about replacing and restoring what was removed because somebody said it was unconstitutional. Yet, the Ten Commandments, the bill states it very clear, it gives numerous references, was a guiding principle in the formation of the ideologies that created this country."
Gidley, himself a pastor, was amply prepared to address theological objections to the bill, frequently batting down latent antinomianism or appeals to ecumenical neutrality.
House Democrats' protestations against the bill varied in content and coherence. However, all contended that the legislation violated the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
The bill itself contains a preemptive exculpation of its constitutionality, referencing historical documents taught in schools that reference God or religion, such as the Declaration of Independence, the Mayflower Compact, the Constitution and others.
"References to God and religion in public documents and other public contexts did not end at the founding but rather have occurred throughout our nation's history without any serious claim that such references violate the Establishment Clause," the bill reads. "Examples include displays associated with the Ten Commandments in the Supreme Court of the United States, the Library of Congress, the Ronald Reagan International Trade Building, and the National Archives."
The display would be relegated to an entryway or other common area in the school, such as the cafeteria or library, and in classrooms where American history is routinely taught.
"I am not against the Ten Commandments," said State Rep. Marilyn Lands (D-Huntsville). "I'm not sure they really are or were a foundational principle of our founding fathers, but I know the separation of church and state was. And I know there are children in our schools from all different sorts of religions."
The body was generally divided across political lines. However, some Republican lawmakers expressed concern with the bill, while some Democrats expressed the most boisterous support.
"As an evangelical and also just as a person who reads the Bible, I think that we're commanded to be salt and light; as a Christian, we should be salt and light to the world," said State Rep. Danny Garrett (R-Trussville). "And I think that happens through relationships."
He continued, "I'll support this bill. I'm not going to vote against the Ten Commandments. But legislative mandates are not going to renew minds or change hearts."
State Rep. Patrick Sellers (D-Pleasant Grove), a pastor, took the podium as the lone Democratic voice to speak in favor of the bill, slowly building into an impassioned, rambunctious defense of the Ten Commandments, gaining whoops and applause throughout the room.
"These are principles that our children need," Sellers said. "And even if it's just looking at it on the wall to remind them of what they and how they should live from day to day. That's what's missing in our schools. That's what's missing in our homes. That's what's missing in our families. You need the word of God. And here we debate whether or not to put it in a school that a child needs to see. Yes. They need to see it."
He continued, "Stop playing with our children. We have missed the mark because so many don't have this foundation. They do not have these principles. And when are we going to start really saying, 'Listen, this is what we missed and this is what they need.' I'm in support of your legislation."
The bill passed with a final vote of 81-11 with seven abstentions. Only seven Democrats voted in favor.
Democrats' opposition to the bill did not end after the vote. After adjournment, members of the House Democratic Caucus spoke to the media, bemoaning multiple bills on the day's calendar.
"The number one thing that we did today was waste taxpayers' money," said State Rep. Ontario Tillman (D-Birmingham). "That's what we did by passing out of this house bills that are fundamentally unconstitutional on its face. And there will be a ton of challenges to these bills if they become law. When you look at the different things that we've done, in 2014, Alabama passed an anti-immigration law, HB56, which cost the taxpayers in the state of Alabama over $500,000. When former [Chief] Justice Roy Moore put the Ten Commandment statues in the courthouse, another $500,000 of taxpayer money, nearly $2.5 million in cost of different taxpayer money, because that's the person who's footing the bill. The taxpayer."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
