The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled Tuesday that Texas can require public schools to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms, upholding a state law that took effect in September 2024.

The appeals court voted 12-6 to lift a lower court injunction that had blocked implementation of the law in about two dozen school districts. The Fifth Circuit determined the law does not violate either the Establishment Clause or the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment.

Texas's law represents the largest attempt in the nation to mandate Ten Commandments displays in public schools. Many districts across the state have already posted the displays, either by printing posters themselves or accepting donations to comply with the requirement.

The ruling follows a similar February decision by the same appeals court allowing Louisiana's Ten Commandments classroom display law to proceed. Both cases were heard during arguments in January.

Plaintiffs who challenged the Texas law indicated they plan to petition the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse the decision. The case sets up a potential clash at the nation's highest court over whether such requirements violate the constitutional separation of church and state.

Supporters argue the Ten Commandments have historical significance and helped form the foundation of U.S. law, while critics contend the displays inappropriately inject religion into public education. The law is part of broader Republican efforts to incorporate religious elements into public schools.