Legislation would protect display of 10 Commandments

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Legislation would protect display of 10 Commandments

By Nancy BadertscherAtlanta Journal-Constitution February 2, 2006

The Georgia House overwhelmingly approved legislation today that authorizes local governments to display the Ten Commandments in public buildings.

The bill, which passed 140 to 26, would require that any display also include copies of the Mayflower Compact and the Declaration of Independence. It also mandates that the Georgia attorney general represent any local government that is sued over the displays.

Two House members, who represent Barrow County, sponsored the bill after the Barrow County Commission was sued by the ACLU over a copy of the Ten Commandments that was posted at the local courthouse in Winder. A judge ordered the plaque taken down last July, and the county did not appeal. Habersham County lost a similar lawsuit.

The ACLU also is expected to challenge HB 941, if it is approved by the state Senate and signed into law by Gov. Sonny Perdue.

Even though the bill was supported by a majority, it sparked a passionate floor debate in which both supporters and opponents quoted scripture and some of the founding fathers.

Rep. Tommy Benton (R-Jefferson), one of the bill’s co-sponsor, said the displays are intended to give the public a better understanding of the “role of religion” in the founding of the state and nation.

Rep. Fran Millar (R-Dunwoody) questioned whether this bill should be a priority for lawmakers.

“I’m a lot more concerned about academic achievement and the dropout rate … then where we hang the Ten Commandments,” Millar said.

He also questioned whether “the Word of God” should be lumped with the Mayflower Compact and Declaration of Independence.

“Are we demeaning the Bible,” Millar said.

Rep. Douglas Dean (D-Atlanta) accused House members of trying to use the Ten Commandments for political grandstanding.

“We’re denying the Almighty God’s Word by calling this a historical document.”

State Rep. Ed Rynders (R-Albany), one of the bill’s supporters, called it a defensive manuever against assaults on Christmas and Christianity. “Are you ashamed to say Merry Christmas? Are you ashamed to say I support the Ten Commandments?” he asked colleagues. “God, I hope not.”

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