State defends faith symbols from wild claims they are ‘radioactive’

Religious symbols have been part of American public life, “since before the Founding,” according to a new report from Becket, which was at a federal appeals court this week defending the state of Louisiana and its acknowledgement of the Ten Commandments from the Bible.

“Just after declaring independence, the Continental Congress tasked Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams with designing a national seal. Though the Great Seal eventually adopted a different design, all three proposed overtly religious designs drawn from the Hebrew Bible,” the report said.

“Over the centuries, many state and local governments have followed the Founders’ lead by including religious elements in their flags, seals, and buildings to commemorate history and culture and to acknowledge the beliefs of their citizens. Among the most enduring of these religious symbols is the Ten Commandments, which is featured prominently on the walls of many government buildings, including the U.S. Supreme Court.”

The background is because Becket was defending Louisiana in its plan to have posters with the Ten Commandments displayed in schools, specifically explaining their influence on America’s law and history.

“Schools have broad flexibility in designing the displays, and no public funds are needed for their installation,” the report said.

It was the ACLU that sued the state, and a federal judge temporarily put the law on hold.

Now Becket, on behalf of Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill and Louisiana Solicitor General Ben Aguiñaga, is asking the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans to protect the state’s right to display the Ten Commandments.

“According to the ACLU, religious symbols are so radioactive that students can’t be anywhere near them,” said Joseph Davis, senior counsel at Becket. “That view is absurd and utterly divorced from history—religion has been a natural and welcome part of our American public life since the Founding.”

Louisiana’s plan is to have schools display the Ten Commandments and include a statement explain their history in public education.

They may be incorporated into displays of other historical documents.

The ACLU contends the displays could hurt children.

“The Constitution does not bar our Legislature’s attempt to teach our students what the Supreme Court has repeatedly said: The Ten Commandments have historical significance as a foundation of our legal system,” said Attorney General Liz Murrill. “We look forward to the Fifth Circuit’s decision.”

A decision is expected later.