Alabama lawmakers recently passed a series of bills aimed at increasing the presence of Christian texts in public schools and reducing protections for LGBTQ+ students. This move aligns with a broader conservative agenda that has sparked debates in statehouses nationwide. The Alabama House of Representatives, which is predominantly Republican, dedicated several hours to discussions before passing the legislation with significant majorities.
The new bills require public schools to display the Ten Commandments, ban drag shows, and prohibit teachers from displaying pride flags or engaging in formal discussions about sexuality. Additionally, the bills permit chaplains to volunteer as school counselors. The Speaker of the House characterized these measures as “common sense,” while Democratic representatives criticized them as a misuse of taxpayer funds that would not address pressing economic issues.
This legislative effort is part of a larger movement in conservative states to dictate how schools approach social topics, a cause supported by President Donald Trump. Alabama is among at least 20 states contemplating similar mandates for the Ten Commandments in public schools or government buildings. The sponsor of the Ten Commandments bill in Alabama emphasized that the initiative is not intended to endorse a specific religion but to acknowledge the historical importance of the commandments as foundational to the nation.
In 2024, Louisiana became the first state to require Ten Commandments displays in all public classrooms, a law later blocked by a federal judge for having an overtly religious purpose. In Alabama, the proposed legislation has faced opposition from religious leaders who argue it may infringe on First Amendment rights and create a hostile environment for religious minorities in schools.
On the same day, Alabama legislators also approved bills to extend the “Don’t Say Gay” law, banning drag performances in schools and libraries without parental consent, and preventing teachers from displaying pride flags or discussing LGBTQ+ issues formally. The proposed law would expand existing restrictions on discussions about gender and sexuality to all grade levels.
Moreover, the Alabama Senate moved forward with legislation to place the Alabama Department of Archives and History under the control of a politically appointed board, a proposal spurred by previous disputes over the department’s programming on LGBTQ+ history. Proponents argue the change ensures accountability to elected officials.
Critics, including a former Baptist pastor, view the recent wave of religious legislation as part of a wider effort to promote Christian nationalism in the United States, driven by fears of losing cultural influence amid societal changes.