CITIZEN: It’s time to restore the Ten Commandments to the Kentucky Capitol and to our classrooms

The Ten Commandments are back in public debate after Louisiana passed a law requiring all public schools to display them in school buildings. The General Assembly is well positioned to follow suit this legislative session.

The U.S. Supreme Court revived this debate by eliminating the Lemon test for Establishment Clause claims. In doing so, the Supreme
Court made clear that religious symbols can legally be displayed on government property once again. However, the Ten Commandments are much more than just a religious symbol. They also represent legal and moral principles that create the foundation of any civilized society. The United States is no exception to that rule.

Our Founding Fathers were heavily influenced by the principles of natural law. Natural law is the idea that certain principles of law and morality are universal and are accessible through an appeal to human reason. Those universal principles include a prohibition on murder, theft of another’s property, and a duty to respect the rights of others. For Christians, we recognize that God is the author of natural law and that these principles find explicit form in the Decalogue. The Declaration of Independence references natural law when it acknowledges the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, which come from our Creator.

Putting the Ten Commandments in public spaces, like schools and the grounds of the Capitol, gives citizens the opportunity to explore the historical traditions of our country and Commonwealth, and educate themselves on why our nation is worthy of admiration. HJR 15 by Rep. Shane Baker (pictured with TFF policy team) would restore the Ten Commandments monument to the Capitol grounds. HB 65 by Rep. Josh Calloway and HB 116 by Rep. Richard White would help restore the Ten Commandments to classrooms.