Lynn v. Sekulow

Recently in Constitution Category

Wednesday October 7, 2009

Mojave Cross - No Constitutional Crisis

Barry, it was good to see you today.  I always enjoy an opportunity to sit next to you during oral arguments at the Supreme Court - especially with a case like the one we witnessed today. 

As we both know, this case is closely watched and involves the display of an 8-foot cross on a mountain top in California's Mojave Desert - a memorial honoring war veterans.  The case is Salazar, Secretary of the Interior, et al., v. Buono. (08-472)

Like most of these cases, the Justices were divided on this issue.  And, Justice Kennedy, who is often the deciding vote in these church/state cases, said little to reveal how he will vote on this case.

 

Friday September 25, 2009

Keep the Commandments Constitutional

Barry, I want to offer my congratulations to you and your family.  I'm sure your son's wedding was, indeed, a great celebration.

 

I want to take a moment to discuss a topic you and I have debated from time to time - the constitutional role of displaying the Ten Commandments.   As you know, ABC News is focusing on the Ten Commandments - an issue that always seems to be in the legal spotlight thanks to you and your colleagues.  Case in point:  Ohio - where we represent Judge James DeWeese of Richland County, Ohio who has been sued repeatedly by the ACLU - this time for a poster he placed in his courtroom called "Philosophies of Law in Conflict."

 

The poster is divided into two sections.  The first is titled "Moral Absolutes," the second "Moral Relatives."  To illustrate the meaning of these two clashing moral concepts, Judge DeWeese quotes texts which support each one: for moral absolutes, the Ten Commandments; for moral relativism, the Humanist Manifestos and other sources.

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About Lynn v. Sekulow

Lynn v. Sekulow is an ongoing debate blog--a blogalogue--about how big (or little) a role faith and religion should play in American politics and government, featuring the two leading voices of the church/state battle: American Center for Law & Justice Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow and Americans United for Separation of Church and State Executive Director Rev. Barry W. Lynn.

Please note that in discussing political issues, candidates’ positions and political party statements, the Rev. Barry Lynn and Jay Sekulow are offering analysis in their individual capacities as lawyers and commentators. They are not speaking on behalf of Americans United for Separation for Church and State or for the American Center for Law & Justice. Those organizations do not endorse or oppose candidates for public office. Nothing contained in this dialogue should be construed as the positions of the respective organizations.

About the Authors

Rev. Barry W. Lynn
Executive Director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, a nonprofit educational organization that defends religious liberty by opposing government interference in religion
» Posts by Rev. Barry W. Lynn
Jay Sekulow
Chief Counsel for the American Center for Law & Justice (ACLJ), a law firm and educational organization focused on protecting religious freedom, American families, and human life.
» Posts by Jay Sekulow
More »

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