Just a day after the Ten Commandments monument outside the Oklahoma State Capitol building was taken down because it’s illegal government promotion of religion, the Johnston County Commissioners (in the same state) have put up a similar monument outside the local courthouse:

The monument was approved by county commissioners in July. The $1,800 project was funded through private donations. “Not a dime was spent from the city or the county to put this monument up,” said MADD Ministries Pastor Ivan Richeson. … “We’ve remained silent for [too] long,” said Richeson. “Our religious liberties have been attacked nationwide and we can’t do a lot about that, but in our own community, the value system these people have, we can speak out.”

There was already a Supreme Court case that ruled against Ten Commandments monuments outside courthouses. In short, if the only monument allowed on government property is a Christian one, it’s illegal. And it doesn’t matter who’s paying for the monument. Even if it’s donated, the government can’t promote one faith over all others.

So I guess the Johnson County Courthouse will be getting some presents very soon from American Atheists, the Satanic Temple, and anyone who wants to honor the Flying Spaghetti Monster.

(Thanks to Brian for the link)



