The Family Foundation Applauds Filing of HB 670 to Restore Ten Commandments to Kentucky Classrooms
FRANKFORT, KY – The Family Foundation announced its strong support for House Bill 670, sponsored by Representative Josh Calloway and Representative Richard White, that was filed yesterday in the Kentucky House of Representatives.
Building upon the successful efforts of HJR 15 from last legislative session to restore the Ten Commandments monument to the Kentucky Capitol grounds, HB 670 reinstates Kentucky’s requirement that all public school and public university classrooms display the Ten Commandments along with a short explanation of the Ten Commandments’ role in American history. HB 670 also allows school boards to authorize the teaching of the Ten Commandments as one of the historical documents that contributed to the founding of America.
The Family Foundation’s executive director David Walls recently spoke with Rep. Calloway about this significant legislation. You can watch the interview on our website here.
Statement from David Walls, Executive Director of The Family Foundation:
“With the recent return of the historic Ten Commandments monument to its proper place at the Kentucky Capitol, now is the time to restore the Ten Commandments to Kentucky classrooms as well. We are grateful for the leadership of Rep. Josh Calloway and Rep. Richard White on this important legislation and call on the General Assembly to continue this important work of recognizing the historical significance of the Ten Commandments. The Ten Commandments have had an immense impact on American history and on the legal and moral principles that made our country and Commonwealth so strong. It is vitally important for the future of Kentucky that our students are taught the historical principles and timeless values that anchor our society,” Walls said.
Several other states have passed or are advancing similar legislation to return the Ten Commandments to classrooms, including Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, and Tennessee. In addition, Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman indicated in a legal opinion last year that the General Assembly can direct public schools to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms, concluding that “the Commonwealth has considerable latitude in deciding whether and how to draw attention to the historical significance and influence of the Ten Commandments without offending the Establishment Clause.”
Kentuckians can join in supporting this important legislative effort by visiting www.kentuckyfamily.org/take-action/
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The Family Foundation is the leading Christian public policy organization in Kentucky and stands for Kentucky families and the Biblical values that make them strong. Learn more at kentuckyfamily.org.