Texas Republican lawmaker roasted for passing ‘Ten Commandments’ bill on the Sabbath in viral video

A Texas Republican lawmaker, Candy Noble, has been roasted by one of her Democratic counterparts for passing what’s become known as the “Ten Commandments” bill on the Sabbath. 

On Sunday (26 May), Senate Bill 10 – part of a push in Texas to increase the role of religion in schools – was moved forward, passing the house by 82-46, meaning that from September every public school classroom in Texas could be required to display the Ten Commandments. 

A viral video posted on TikTok, which has been viewed more than three million times and has more than 19,000 comments, shows Texas state representative James Talarico asking representative Candy Noble, the bill’s House sponsor, “What is the Fourth Commandment?”

In Judaism, the Sabbath is a weekly day of rest and worship, observed from sunset on Friday to nightfall on Saturday. In Christianity, the Sabbath is generally observed on Sunday.

The Fourth Commandment is: “remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.”

Talarico continued to highlight the bill’s hypocrisy, which Noble admitted was “ironic”, adding: “The Seventh commitment is ‘Thou shall not commit adultery,’ do you think members of the legislature should focus on the Ten Commandments rather than telling others to follow them?”

Texas attorney general Ken Paxton, who has held that role since 2015, was alleged to be having a extramarital affair in a high profile scandal: news which first came to light in 2018.

@jamestalarico

Republicans passed the bill on the Sabbath… breaking the 4th Commandment. Maybe they should try following the Ten Commandments before mandating them. SB 10 will force every public school teacher in the state of Texas to put up a poster of the Ten Commandments in their classroom.

♬ original sound – James Talarico

Comments posted under the clip raise concern about the bill. 

One person wrote, in a comment that has been liked more than 76,000 times and highlights a concept derived from the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, “What happened to SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE?!?” 

Another person questioned, “why is church being discussed in politics? I’m confused…” 

“As a Jewish kid who grew up in Texas, this bill will make every non-Christian kid less safe,” another wrote. 

Others aired their belief that the legislature is focusing on the wrong issues. “10 Commandments, but no free lunch,” one person wrote, while another commented, “Will the 10 Commandments stop all of the school shooting?”

A similar law in Louisiana has been put on hold after a federal judge found it was unconstitutional. 

What is the Texas Ten Commandments Bill?

Senate Bill 10 is a measure requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in every public-school classroom in the state. The measure would require a poster of the Ten Commandments that is no smaller than 16 by 20 inches. 

The vote to approve Senate Bill 10 on Sunday (25 May) came after lawmakers approved an amendment to clarify that the state, not school districts, will defend and pay for legal challenges to the law. 

It will now head back to the Senate for review. If approved, it will advance to governor Greg Abbott for approval. 

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