Is displaying the Ten Commandments on state grounds unconstitutional? One atheist group thinks so.

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Yes and no. In Stone v Graham (1980), SCOTUS decided that the posting is an endorsement of religion, violating the 1st amendment (by "establishment of religion".

On the other hand, in Van Orden v Perry (2005), it was held that the commandments - as one part of a 38 monument/marker set that were presented as "ideals" of those that founded the state - did not violate the 1st amendment, in part due to the pluralistic nature (two Stars of David and a Chi-Rho symbol, plus an Eagle) and the statement from the donators (Eagles), a primarily secular organization, who sought to highlight the Commandments' role in shaping society.

Personally, I'm fine with the inclusion of the commandments in that kind of pluralistic setting, as long as they aren't given specific prominence. Moses' inclusion in a frieze in the Supreme Court's courtroom is a good example.

 

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