MURPHYSBORO – State Senator Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) released a statement Friday regarding a lawsuit filed this week in state court seeking the removal of the Ten Commandments monument from the Jefferson County Courthouse lawn.
Bryant, who represents Jefferson County, strongly supports keeping the monument on the courthouse lawn.
The principles represented by this monument have long played a role in shaping the foundation of our legal and civic institutions according to Bryant. She says they reflect a moral code centered on responsibility, fairness, and respect for others.
Bryant says public displays like this one have existed in communities across the country for decades, and many people view them as part of our shared heritage and values. Bryant believes local communities should have the right to recognize the principles that have helped guide our society.
Bryant says she will continue to support the people of Jefferson County as they work to preserve this monument and what it represents.
According to the ACLU Illinois website, the lawsuit stems from a group of multifaith and non-religious Jefferson County taxpayers and residents who want to see the monument removed.
The plaintiffs say the monument violates the state Constitution’s protections for the separation of church and state.
Besides the ACLU of Illinois, the Freedom From Religion Foundation and the ACLU are representing the plaintiffs in this case.
