Montana Bill: 10 Commandments Displayed in Schools Goes Forward

The Montana legislature is currently in session. They are debating bills that can have lasting impacts on many Montanans for years to come. There is a bill that seeks to solve property tax problems.

There is another bill proposed that would affect every public school in the state. That is Senate Bill 114, which would require a copy of the ten commandments to be displayed in every public school building and classroom in Montana.

The bill, introduced by eleven state representatives, on Friday passed the Committee Executive Action with a vote of 6-3 in favor.

Montana Senate Bill 114 Made it Through Committee

The bill, as written, has some very specific requirements for the posting of the commandments. The displays featuring the commandments must be a "minimum size of 11 inches by 14 inches", with the text of the commandments being the "central focus" of the poster or display.

There is specific text to the bill and how the commandments should be written starting with:

I AM the LORD thy God, thou shalt have no other gods before me.

The bill passed in committee, it will now be debated and voted on by the House and Senate.

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Bill 114 Addresses School Prayer

The bill also addresses school prayer stating:

Prayer is permitted in a school, on school grounds, and at school-sponsored events, but a person may not be compelled to pray. The school day may begin with a prayer.

The bill authorizes school districts to use their own funds or donated funds to create the displays. Schools may also accept donated displays.

If you would like to read the full bill, you can do so at Bills.legmt.gov. If you would like to follow the progress of this bill, you can go to Fastdemocracy.com.