Judge Rules Against Use of Fish Symbol
A federal judge has ruled that the use of a Christian fish symbol on the city seal of Republic, Mo., is unconstitutional. Jean Webb, a former resident of the city, sued Republic in 1998 alleging that the symbol--known as an ichthus--created an uncomfortable environment for non-Christians and violated the separation of church and state.
“While the purpose of placing the fish symbol on the city seal may not have been to endorse Christianity, the effect of the seal is to do so,” ruled U.S. District Judge Russell Clark.
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