The state of Texas has enacted a law requiring the Bible to be taught in public schools, a move the United Kingdom's Foreign Office has described as a form of religious coercion incompatible with democratic values. The legislation, signed by Governor Greg Abbott on Tuesday, mandates that all public school curricula from kindergarten through 12th grade include instruction on the Bible's role in history, literature, and law. Critics argue it undermines the separation of church and state and marginalises non-Christian students.
In a statement released Wednesday, the Foreign Office said: 'The UK believes that religious instruction in schools should be a matter of choice, not compulsion. This law risks alienating students of other faiths or none, and contradicts the principles of religious freedom that underpin democratic societies.' The statement added that the UK would raise the matter through diplomatic channels, though it stopped short of announcing sanctions.
The Texas law has drawn sharp domestic criticism. The American Civil Liberties Union has announced plans to challenge the measure in court, arguing it violates the First Amendment. Legal experts say the case could reach the Supreme Court, testing the boundaries of religious expression in public education.
Supporters of the law, including conservative Christian groups, argue that the Bible is a foundational text essential for understanding Western civilisation and American law. They point to similar courses in other states, though mandates for Bible instruction are rare and often elective.
The international response has been mixed. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) expressed concern, while several European Union member states issued statements of disapproval. Saudi Arabia and Iran, both of which mandate religious instruction in schools, offered no comment.
For the UK, the issue touches on its broader geopolitical concerns about religious pluralism and institutional integrity. The Foreign Office's condemnation is consistent with its advocacy for religious freedom as a component of soft power. However, critics have noted that the UK itself maintains religious instruction in state-funded faith schools, a practice the government defends as a matter of parental choice.
The Texas law is scheduled to take effect in the 2024-2025 academic year. Additional details on curriculum content and implementation are expected from the Texas Education Agency in the coming months.
