ACLU Sues City for Jesus Display

Slidell, Louisiana. The ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) has sued the city (and others) after they refused to voluntarily remove a portrait of Jesus presenting the New Testament. A plate beneath the frame reads: "To Know Peace, Obey These Laws." The ACLU claims that they are not "anti-religion," but do believe the portrait is in violation of the Constitutional separation of Church and State.

City Judge James Lamz, whose name is also on the list of Defendants, says he will not advocate for the portraits removal until ordered so by a federal judge. He firmly believes that the display is not in violation of the Constitution.

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..."

These famous words begin the First Amendment of our Constitution. As you can see in plain English, our government is forbidden from enacting any law that establishes a national religion, or any that prohibit others from enjoying their own. Furthermore, the words "separation of church and state" do not appear once in our Constitution, Bill of Rights or Declaration of Independence.

This issue (especially here) is always about point of view. The ACLU believes that the anonymous complainant who has been offended by this portrait of Jesus is the key of the case. What about those who would be offended or deprived by its removal? Judge Lamz, Saint Tammany Parish and the entire citizenry of Slidell are being sued here, and they all need to stand strong. The weight of the Constitution will be at their backs.

Regardless of outcome, this case will set a precedent for many cases to come.