MOBILE, Alabama-- In her prepared remarks, Commissioner Merceria Ludgood foretold that there would be ramifications for approving the "In God We Trust" plaque that was approved June 19.

"The action is legally dubious and invites challenge as well as a regular stream of proposals for other religious expressions that may not be as warmly welcomed," said Ludgood.

The first evidence of challenges have emerged less than a week later.

The Freedom from Religion Foundation sent a letter to the Mobile County Commission after the decision saying that they strongly urge the commissioners to reconsider the decision.

"It is inappropriate for the county to put "In God We Trust" in a government building," the letter reads. "Statements about a god have no place in government buildings."

The letter also mentions the endorsement test proposed in 1984's Lynch v. Donnelly and cites a concurring opinion written by Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.

"Endorsement sends a message to nonadherents that they are outsiders, not full members of the political community, and an accompanying message to adherents that they are insiders, favored members of the political community," O'Connor wrote.

FFRF reasons in the letter that such a monument fails the endorsement test.

Local groups are open to compromise, though.

Dustin Chalker, a member of the Mobile Atheist Community, said that the group would like to display their own monument.

"The Mobile Atheist Community, along with other groups with beliefs other than monotheism, plan to apply for approval to place our displays representing our viewpoint adjacent to the monotheistic plaque," said Chalker.

"There are only two Constitutional actions the government can take in a situation like this: either no opinions on religion should be displayed or all opinions on religion must be afforded the same opportunity to display their beliefs in the same public space. Allowing one while refusing others will result in legal action against the City of Mobile," he said.

Americans United for the Separation of Church and State also sent the commission a letter condemning the approved plaque.

The plaque itself has not been erected so far and the final location has not been decided. Commissioner Hudson said that it would be paid for with private funds.

The Mobile County Commission meets for work sessions on Thursday mornings at 10 a.m. and for formal meetings at 10 a.m. on Mondays at Government Plaza.

Click below to read the entire FFRF letter addressed to the Mobile County Commission.