Suit Attacks Posting Ten Commandments
South Carolina has become the most recent battle zone in the debate over the right to post the Ten Commandments in a government building.
Three Charleston residents have filed a lawsuit to block the county council from hanging the Ten Commandments in its chambers, saying it would violate the 1st Amendment guarantee of freedom of religion.
In a similar flap recently in Alabama, a judge refused to remove a display of the commandments from his courtroom, defying the state Supreme Court, which ruled it unconstitutional. Alabama Gov. Fob James has threatened to call out the National Guard if anyone tries to remove the plaque.
South Carolina Gov. David Beasley, who has a copy of the Ten Commandments outside his office door, has praised James’ action.
The Charleston County Council recently voted to use private contributions to post the commandments.
The lawsuit by opponents contends that posting the commandments constitutes unlawful endorsement of religion because they call for worshiping one deity and respecting the Sabbath and prohibit taking the Lord’s name in vain.
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