Backers of Arkansas’s Act 573 of 2025 defended the law Tuesday, arguing it is rooted in history, not religion. The legislation requires public display of the Christian Ten Commandments in schools and public buildings. A federal judge temporarily blocked the law’s enforcement on Aug. 4 in four Northwest Arkansas school districts after parents filed suit.
Sponsors Cite Historical Tradition
State Sen. Jim Dotson and Rep. Alyssa Brown, the bill’s sponsors, said the measure remains in force outside the affected districts. Speaking at the state Capitol, they urged donations for a campaign to place posters statewide. Brown said the nation’s laws and justice system are linked to the Ten Commandments and expressed confidence in eventual court approval.
Legal Arguments and Precedent
Speakers highlighted a 2019 U.S. Supreme Court decision they believe strengthens the law’s constitutional footing. David Barton of Wallbuilders and Jeremy Dys of First Liberty Institute said the ruling shifted the legal burden to opponents of public religious displays. Dys argued Judge Timothy Brooks misapplied precedent in blocking the law, claiming the decision contradicted the 2019 case’s reasoning.
Judge’s Ruling and Broader Concerns
Judge Brooks wrote that the law likely reflects a coordinated multistate strategy to inject Christian doctrine into public classrooms. He cited a 45-year-old Supreme Court decision striking down similar laws, saying it remains binding until overturned. Brooks noted evidence that Arkansas’s law matches model legislation promoted by Barton in multiple states.
Ongoing Public Campaign
Despite the court order, Ten Commandments posters have been installed in schools outside the blocked districts. Pine Bluff schools received donated posters on Aug. 5, the law’s effective date. RestoreAmericanSchools says 288 Arkansas schools have been “adopted” by donors. At the press event, Patriot Mobile CEO Glenn Story presented a framed poster to Secretary of State Cole Jester, with about 20 supportive organizations represented.
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Christian groups, Arkansas lawmakers defend Ten Commandments law
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