By a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court has ruled that the Ten Commandments may not be displayed in courthouses.
Does that mean in the courtroom?
This decision may not be as dramatic as it sounds on the surface.
More...
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A split Supreme Court struck down Ten Commandments displays in courthouses Monday, ruling that two exhibits in Kentucky cross the line between separation of church and state because they promote a religious message.
The court's decision was 5-4, with Justice Sandra Day O'Connor casting the swing vote.
The decision was the first of two seeking to mediate the bitter culture war over religion's place in public life. In it, the court declined to prohibit all displays in court buildings or on government property.
Justices left legal wiggle room, saying that some displays -- like their own courtroom frieze -- would be permissible if they're portrayed neutrally in order to honor the nation's legal history.
But framed copies in two Kentucky courthouses went too far in endorsing religion, the court held.
According to the Constitution, government cannot promote religion. However, the Constitution states that the government cannot impede religion.
In this case, the Supremes are saying the Kentucky courthouses crossed the line and endorsed a religion. This decision does leave wiggle room for other displays.
Although this ruling doesn't call for the elimination of the Ten Commandments from public places in all cases, those in the anti-religion camp will probably claim this as a victory in their efforts to sanitize American society of religious references.
Secularization is on the march!
One more thing--I hope that the libs will admit that at present there is NOT a conservative majority on the court.
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