Governor Kay Ivey on Friday signed Senate Bill 99, related to the display of the Ten Commandments in schools. The bill, sponsored by Senator Keith Kelley and Representative Mark Gidley, requires the display of the Ten Commandments, along with their historical significance, in certain public schools, subject to the availability of donations.
The governor issued the following comment:
“In Alabama, we proudly remember that we live in one nation under God. The Ten Commandments–like the Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights–are critical to understanding the founding of our country. Especially as we approach the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it is of the utmost importance Alabama’s children understand the history of this great country we call home. That absolutely includes a foundational document like the Ten Commandments.”
During her 2025 state of the state address, Governor Ivey remarked that there is a place for the Ten Commandments and “other key historical documents” in Alabama classrooms. The excerpt from the 2025 speech is as follows:
In Alabama politics, we don’t exactly follow the rule of never asking a lady her age…and that’s ok. So, while we are on my age, I will share one of its many benefits: MeeMaw will tell you exactly like it is!
First, if a teacher wants to start a family, she should have the proper maternity leave. That is why I am proud to have Sen. Vivian Figures and Rep. Ginny Shaver joining forces this year to pass a good, responsible parental leave bill to support both our state workers and teachers.
Next, there are only two genders: Male and female. I look forward to finally putting my signature on the What is a Woman bill by Rep. Susan Dubose.
And last, there is a place for the Ten Commandments and other key historical documents in our classrooms.
