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November 30, 2006
Sure to raise a ruckus
A county in Florida has decided to erect this Ten Commandments monument on the steps of its courthouse:
At the bottom of the monument, it says "LOVE GOD AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS." Sadly, I have spent the past month or so working on a project at school on nearly the exact same question, and I am almost 100% sure this thing violates the Establishment Clause. I mean, even if somebody wanted to argue that the ten commandments have historical value and are a foundation of American governance, which to me is nothing but a lame excuse to put the Ten Commandments in public space, that argue is defeated by the rather gratuitous addition of "Love God and keep His Commandments." Nevermind that it also is displayed prominently on the courthouse steps without giving air to other viewpoints.
I am in no mood to write a whole dissertation on this, but I have no doubt that any sane court will find this monument unconstitutional. It clearly endorses religion, it advances religion, and even though it was privately donated, it's still on public land.
Fox News had an interview with some of the principles of this story, with predictable blowhardiness from Sean Hannity.
entry no. 666
Posted by oz115 at November 30, 2006 12:00 AM