Florida Courthouse Ordered to Remove Ten Commandments Monument
Dixie County has 30 days to remove a granite monument of the Ten Commandments from atop the steps of the county courthouse in Cross City, where it has sat since 2006, according to a federal court ruling Friday.
The ruling, by U.S. Senior District Judge Maurice Paul, came after the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida sued to have the monument removed, saying that it violates the separation of church and state, even though the monument was paid for and maintained by a private resident.
"We hope that Dixie County officials will find a permanent place for it at a church or other house of worship, which is the appropriate place for religious monuments," said Howard Simon, executive director of the ACLU of Florida. "Removing the monument is the right thing to do. It is not the business of government to promote religious messages about monotheism, idolatry, taking the Lord's name in vain or honoring the Sabbath."
Dixie County officials said they are reviewing the ruling.
Marvin Hunt is a member of the Dixie County Commission. He voted in favor of allowing the monument.
"I'm displeased with the court system," Hunt said Monday afternoon. "At this time, I can't really make a comment until we have a meeting and speak with the attorney."
"We're disappointed," said County Attorney Jennifer Eillison.
She said The Liberty Counsel argued the case before the court in Gainesville. According to its website, the group is "an international nonprofit litigation, education and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life and the family." It was established in 1989 in Orlando and has offices in Washington, D.C., Dallas, Lynchburg, Va., and Jerusalem.