ACLU of Alabama Says Ten Commandments Bill Approved By Senate Committee Today Is Unconstitutional

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 22, 2011

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MONTGOMERY, AL – The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Alabama today condemned a proposal by six legislators to allow the display of the Ten Commandments on public property, a direct violation of the First Amendment’s prohibition against the government endorsing religion. The proposal, Senate Bill 37, is sponsored by Senators Dial, Williams, Holley, Bedford, Brewbaker and Beason.

“SB37 is insensitive to the wide variety of religious views held by Alabamians, and politicians should not use their bully pulpit to promote religious doctrines,” said Allison Neal, Legal Director of the ACLU of Alabama. “Our Constitution’s ban on government entanglement with religion is good for both government and religion. It keeps religion free, and it allows government to represent us all.”

Senate Bill 37 would allow for a stand-alone display of the Ten Commandments, outside of the context of historical tradition or legitimate secular purpose, in public schools, county courthouses, city halls, and other public facilities. The Eleventh Circuit Federal Court has determined that this type of display is unconstitutional in Glassroth v. Moore. In that case, the court found that the circumstances surrounding the display of a Ten Commandments monument at the Alabama State Judicial Building undeniably reflected a strong religious purpose.

“Individuals, religious communities and associations are free to post or not post the Ten Commandments as they wish, and the ACLU will defend their right to do so,” said Ms. Neal. “And there’s no problem with discussing the Bible, including the Ten Commandments, as part of a class on the history of religion, comparative religion, or ethical values. However, SB37 is about religious indoctrination, pure and simple, and that’s unconstitutional.”

The ACLU of Alabama urges legislators to stand with the U.S. Constitution and vote against Senate Bill 37.

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