More than 90 faith leaders are asking Governor Beshear to veto a House joint resolution that would move a 10 Commandments monument from a Fraternal Order of Eagles post in Hopkinsville to the grounds of the state capitol. Zina (Zy-na) Merkin is with Interfaith Alliance of the Bluegrass, which has members from nearly a dozen religious faiths as well as non-believers.
“The Constitution says that the government shall not favor a particular religion, and the 10 Commandments are particular to the Judea Christian strain of religions.”
Merkin also said there are several different versions of the 10 Commandments. Merkin notes the monument was once installed at the capital, then sent back to Hopkinsville after a successful lawsuit.
“I think that we have wasted an awful lot of money in this state defending lawsuits where we have violated people's rights in some way or violated the Constitution.”
Critics say putting the monument on capital grounds would violate the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause. Backers say it would help Kentuckians recognize the historic importance of the Ten Commandments. The bill’s sponsor, state Representative Shane Baker, declined multiple requests for an interview.
** WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, and fact-based journalism. Monthly supporters are the top funding source for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation.
