A recent ruling by a panel of three federal appellate judges has deemed a Louisiana law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in each public school classroom as unconstitutional. This decision is seen as a victory for civil liberties groups who argue that the law violates the separation of church and state, potentially isolating non-Christian students.

Supporters of the law, including Republicans like Donald Trump, claim that the Ten Commandments are a historical foundation of US law and should be present in classrooms. However, critics argue that public schools should not promote religious beliefs and must remain inclusive of all students, regardless of their faith.

Heather L Weaver from the American Civil Liberties Union praised the ruling, emphasizing that public schools should not be used as platforms for religious teachings. The decision has sparked a debate between the plaintiffs' attorneys and Louisiana officials regarding its scope, with some arguing that all school districts in the state must comply with the ruling.

Despite the ruling, Louisiana's attorney general, Liz Murrill, plans to appeal the decision, potentially taking the case to the US supreme court. The panel of judges who reviewed the case was notably more liberal compared to the usual composition of the fifth US circuit court of appeals, with two of the three judges being appointed by Democratic presidents.

The lawsuit against the Louisiana law was filed by parents of schoolchildren from diverse religious backgrounds who believe the mandate infringes on their constitutional right to religious freedom. This ruling aligns with a previous order by US district judge John deGravelles, who declared the law unconstitutional and prohibited its enforcement.

Similar laws in other states have faced legal challenges, with a group of Arkansas families recently filing a federal lawsuit against a comparable law. Legislation in Texas is also under scrutiny, awaiting Governor Greg Abbott's decision. The issue of religion in government has historically been contentious, with past supreme court rulings setting precedents on the matter.