ACLU Claims Opposition to Ten Commandments Display over Concern for Catholics

Lifesite.org ^ | January 9, 2004

[nickcarraway]

Catholic Group Rejects ACLU "Defense"

DES MOINES, January 9, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Copies of the Ten Commandments, along with seven other historical documents, were hung in the Iowa Statehouse yesterday. The documents, which include the Magna Carta and the Declaration of Independence, are being displayed to commemorate the moral and legal underpinnings of the United States.

The ACLU affiliate, however, complained that only one version of the Ten Commandments (the King James version) was posted, thereby excluding versions used by Catholics, Lutherans and Jews. The ACLU said this was divisive and showed "government favoritism" of one religion over another.

The display was donated by private sources and was approved by Iowa House Speaker Chris Rants. Rants said, "If somebody finds it offensive, I hope they will come and talk to me about it." The legal arm of the Iowa Family Policy Center pledged to fight any lawsuit brought by the ACLU.

Catholic League president William Donohue said the ACLU's fears were unfounded: "It is so refreshing to learn that the ACLU's opposition to the Iowa display of the Ten Commandments is motivated out of concern for Roman Catholics. All along we thought the ACLU was simply opposed to any display of the Ten Commandments on public property. While we hate to sound ungrateful, we really don't need the ACLU to protect us in this instance. In fact, the Catholic League would like to see the display of the Ten Commandments in every statehouse, and it matters not a whit whether it is the Catholic, Protestant or Jewish version.

"I have written to Iowa House Speaker Chris Rants informing him of the Catholic League's position; a copy has also been sent to Chuck Hurley of the Iowa Family Policy Center."

[nickcarraway]

As a practicing Catholic, somehow I am not offended.

[nickcarraway]

ping

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[Denver Ditdat]

As a practicing Catholic, somehow I am not offended.

Ditto.

[Robert A Cook PE]

ACLU lies.

Again.

[Quix]

What a Mt Everest pile of BS.

They care about Roman Catholics about as much as

Shrillery cares for the USA instead of her power mongering.

[Miggsathon]

I don't need the government telling me about my religious heritage. I'm just fine without the state-sponsored religion prying into my life.

[j_tull]

The ACLU affiliate, however, complained that only one version of the Ten Commandments (the King James version) was posted, thereby excluding versions used by Catholics,

The unmitigated audacity of these alleged people is straining the limits of my imagination.

OTOH, this quote is to priceless to excerpt.."It is so refreshing to learn that the ACLU's opposition to the Iowa display of the Ten Commandments is motivated out of concern for Roman Catholics. All along we thought the ACLU was simply opposed to any display of the Ten Commandments on public property. While we hate to sound ungrateful, we really don't need the ACLU to protect us in this instance. In fact, the Catholic League would like to see the display of the Ten Commandments in every statehouse, and it matters not a whit whether it is the Catholic, Protestant or Jewish version."

[I still care]

They are really reaching now. This display would pass muster of all the rules they have so far, so they have to figure out something new to discriminate against religion.

I would like to see the diocese of this area step in and say this 10 commandment display does NOT offend them.

[j_tull]

to = too

[Torie]

Surely this is all tongue in cheek. If not, sometimes reality is more hilarious than fiction. Some ACLU strategies are more persuasive than others. And there you have it.

[jim35]

..."I don't need the government telling me about my religious heritage. I'm just fine without the state-sponsored religion prying into my life"...

No, me either. Luckily, this isn't happening anywhere within these 50 states. Does the gov. prevention of these same religious practices bother you? I only ask because that is precisely what is going on in every one of our 50 states, on a daily basis, as perpetrated by our court system.

[Miggsathon]

The government doesn't prevent the practice of religion just because religious symbols aren't displayed in a courthouse.

[jim35]

..."The government doesn't prevent the practice of religion just because religious symbols aren't displayed in a courthouse"...

Just saying these words should make your mouth all confused. I know it worked for my brain. Now, say it again, only this time listen to what you are saying. Now, try applying it to reality. Having trouble? I thought you might.

[Kudsman]

bttt.

[WOSG]

As a Catholic, I am horribly offended by the ACLU claiming to speak for me.

[DeepDish]

This is the next step. Set the Catholics a bickering with the Lutherans a feuding with the Jews a squabbling with the King James religions. Divide and conquer, pure and simple. I think the ACLU is run by the guy who opened a shop called "Needful Things" in a Stephen King novel.

[Canticle_of_Deborah]

It doesn't offend me either!

[Nam Vet]

Brand new to FReeRepublic and I can't stand you already!!! Read the friggin' article. It is talking about the underpinnings and basis for our LEGAL SYSTEM. When you learn to read AND COMPREHEND feel free to comment again.

Nam Vet