SB181 Alabama 2018 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Gerald O. Dial
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2018
Title: Religious freedom provided for, right to worship, display of Ten Commandments on state property and at public schools, authorized, const. amend.
Summary: A constitutional amendment would protect religious freedom and allow the display of the Ten Commandments on state property and on property owned or administered by public schools or public bodies.
What This Bill Does
If passed, the amendment would let the Ten Commandments be displayed on state property and on property owned or run by public schools or public bodies, as part of a larger display that includes historical or educational items. It would guarantee individuals’ right to worship according to their conscience and prevent forcing attendance or funding of worship or ministers. It would ensure civil and political rights are not changed by religion and would prohibit public funds from being used to defend the amendment’s constitutionality.

Who It Affects
Individuals who practice religion or are concerned with religious freedom, who would gain protections for worship and access to displays of the Ten Commandments.
Public schools, public bodies, and state property managers, who would be allowed to display the Ten Commandments on their property in accordance with constitutional requirements.

Key Provisions
Authorizes the display of the Ten Commandments on state property and on property owned or administered by public schools or public bodies, in a display that may be intermingled with historical or educational items.
Guarantees the right to worship according to conscience and prohibits forcing attendance or contributions to support religious worship or ministers.
States that civil and political rights are not diminished or enlarged due to religious belief.
Prohibits the use of public funds to defend the constitutionality of this amendment.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Constitutional Amendments