HOUSTON (October 4, 2012)—Texas State District Judge Steve Thomas decided Thursday to continue to allow a Southeast Texas high school's cheerleaders to use run-through banners with biblical verses at football games, at least for now.
Thomas said at the end of a day of testimony Thursday that he needs more time to issue a final ruling.
He extended a temporary order granted last month to allow the banners.
A hearing is scheduled for Oct. 18.
Kountze High School cheerleaders have used run-throughs at football games with scripture verses, such as "I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me."
An attorney advised the district to ban the verses because they could violate U.S. Supreme Court rulings barring prayer in schools.
The Plano-based Liberty Institute sued, arguing the ban violates the cheerleaders' free-speech rights.
