CNN —The Texas Senate passed a bill Thursday requiring each public school classroom to display a copy of the Ten Commandments, a move that drew backlash from civil liberty advocates who say lawmakers should not dictate what religious materials students are exposed to.
The legislation, which passed the state Senate on a 17-12 vote, will now head to the state’s House of Representatives.
“This Act applies beginning with the 2023-2024 school year,” the bill reads.
Senate Bill 1396 also passed with a 17-12 vote.
“Parents should be able to decide what religious materials their child should learn, not the (Texas legislature),” the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas said in a statement.