SB7 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald O. Dial

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

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

Summary

SB7 would propose a constitutional amendment to allow displaying the Ten Commandments on state property and on property owned or managed by public schools or public bodies, while protecting religious freedom and restricting public funding to defend the amendment.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the state and property owned or managed by public schools or public bodies could display the Ten Commandments. The amendment would affirm freedom to worship without coercion, and state that civil and political rights cannot be diminished or enlarged because of a person’s religious beliefs. It would also prohibit the use of public funds to defend the amendment's constitutionality and set an election date for voter approval.

Who It Affects

• State government and property managers: could display the Ten Commandments on state property.
• Public schools and public bodies: could display the Ten Commandments on property they own or administer.
• Individuals and religious adherents: retain liberty to worship according to conscience and are protected from forced participation or funding of worship or ministers.
• Taxpayers and public funds: public funds could not be used to defend the constitutionality of this amendment.

Key Provisions

• Property belonging to the state may be used to display the Ten Commandments, and public schools/public bodies may display them on their property without restraint or abridgment.
• No person shall be compelled to attend or contribute to religious worship or to support a minister, and freedom of worship is protected; civil and political rights are not diminished or enlarged by religious beliefs.
• No public funds may be expended in defense of the constitutionality of this amendment, and an election date is specified for voter consideration.

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