Texas lawmakers push for religious influence in public schools.

Lawmakers in Texas have advanced a proposal to require every classroom in the state to display the Ten Commandments prominently. A parallel bill would also require schools to set aside time every day for students and employees to read the Bible or other religious manuscripts, or to pray. The bills have the backing of Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who describes himself as “a Christian first, conservative second and Republican third”. Opponents argue that the proposals violate the separation of church and state.