(AP) – Opponents of an effort to build a Ten Commandments
monument near Arkansas' Capitol are urging a panel to reject the statue, while
the lawmaker behind the display says the only decision that remains is where to
put it.
A subcommittee of the Capitol Arts and Grounds Commission on Wednesday heard
from supporters and opponents of the privately funded monument. Lawmakers last
year approved legislation requiring the state to allow the display, and the
panel must approve its design and location.
Opponents told the panel they believed the statue was an unconstitutional
endorsement of religion and would invite lawsuits. Republican Sen. Jason Rapert
called that criticism an attempt to intimidate officials, and said the debate
over the monument ended when lawmakers approved the legislation last year.
monument near Arkansas' Capitol are urging a panel to reject the statue, while
the lawmaker behind the display says the only decision that remains is where to
put it.
A subcommittee of the Capitol Arts and Grounds Commission on Wednesday heard
from supporters and opponents of the privately funded monument. Lawmakers last
year approved legislation requiring the state to allow the display, and the
panel must approve its design and location.
Opponents told the panel they believed the statue was an unconstitutional
endorsement of religion and would invite lawsuits. Republican Sen. Jason Rapert
called that criticism an attempt to intimidate officials, and said the debate
over the monument ended when lawmakers approved the legislation last year.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI