SB37 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Roger Bedford, Jr.

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Scott BeasonJimmy HolleyDick BrewbakerPhillip W. WilliamsGerald O. Dial

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Ten Commandments, display of on state property and at public schools, authorized, const. amend.

Summary

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to allow the Ten Commandments to be displayed on state property and on property owned or administered by public schools or public bodies.

What This Bill Does

It would authorize displays of the Ten Commandments on state property and on property owned or administered by public schools or public bodies. It affirms freedom of religion, stating people may worship according to their conscience and cannot be forced to attend or support worship or a minister. It says civil and political rights cannot be diminished or enlarged because of a person's religious beliefs. It also bars the use of public funds to defend the amendment's constitutionality and sets an election date to vote on the amendment.

Who It Affects

• State property owners and public schools/public bodies would be allowed to display the Ten Commandments on their property.
• Individuals and communities practicing religion would have the freedom to worship and would not be forced to attend or fund religious worship or ministers.
• Public funds would not be used to defend the constitutionality of this amendment.
• voters in Alabama would participate in an election to approve or reject the amendment.

Key Provisions

• Property belonging to the state may be used to display the Ten Commandments, and the right of a public school or public body to display the Ten Commandments on property owned or administered by a public school or public body is not restrained or abridged.
• Every person shall be at liberty to worship God according to the dictates of his or her own conscience; no person shall be compelled to attend or contribute to the erection or support of any place of religious worship, or to pay tithes, taxes, or other rates for the support of any minister.
• The civil and political rights, privileges, and capacities of no person shall be diminished or enlarged on account of his or her religious belief.
• No public funds may be expended in defense of the constitutionality of this amendment.
• An election upon the proposed amendment shall be held to determine its adoption.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Constitutional Amendments