COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A bill that would require every public learning institution in South Carolina to display the Ten Commandments passed on the second reading. On Wednesday, the state House stayed after hours debating the addition to schools and universities.
The proposal mandates that schools post, at minimum, an 11-by-14-inch poster of the Ten Commandments. The measure prompted one of the most spirited discussions of the legislative sessions.
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Republican representatives largely advocated for the addition, arguing the commandments represent foundational American principles. There has been a push by the GOP for more faith-based leadership. Democratic representatives largely oppose the bill, arguing it is unconstitutional, citing separation of church and state.
"That's why we have churches. Let the pastors do their jobs and let the teachers do theirs," said Charleston Democratic representative Wendell Gilliard.
While Republican representative James Teeple said, "It is serious, we are talking about the future of our nation."
Other representatives argued this heated discussion is distracting from more pressing conversations directly impacting the people of South Carolina.
This is not the first southern state to advocate for religious laws in public classrooms. Similar bills passed in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. However, they have all been challenged in courts.