Attorney Says Ten Commandment Displays Are Legal

CINCINNATI, Ohio—An attorney for two Kentucky counties says courthouse displays of the Ten Commandments are for educational and historical purposes.
   
The new argument in the 10-year dispute follows a 2005 U.S. Supreme Court decision in which justices said the displays in McCreary and Pulaski counties had a predominantly religious purpose. However, the court has also ruled that religious materials are allowed as part of an educational or historical display.
   
The counties’ lawyer on Tuesday told a panel of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati that the new displays satisfy the high court’s requirement. They focus on foundations of American law and government, including the Declaration of Independence, Star-Spangled Banner, and Bill of Rights.
   
But attorneys for the American Civil Liberties Union say the counties’ goal is to promote religion and made changes only to improve chances in court.

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