A US judge has blocked a Texas law that would have required public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom, Al Jazeera reported.

District Judge Fred Biery ruled the mandate unconstitutional, citing the First Amendment’s separation of church and state. He said even passive displays could pressure students into religious observance and stifle diverse beliefs.

The lawsuit was filed by parents, faith leaders, and civil liberties groups who argued religion should be guided by families, not imposed by the state.

Texas officials defended the law as part of America’s heritage, with Attorney General Ken Paxton vowing to appeal. The case is likely to move toward the Supreme Court, according to Al Jazeera.