Why should religious displays be prohibited from municipal buildings?

Question

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Answer 1

Is it the job of the government to promote specific religions or specific religious beliefs? In particular, if a person is in either a minority or marginalized group of people, should they be made to feel that their particular religious beliefs (or perhaps lack thereof) are of no significance, or that their beliefs are of less significance than the beliefs of other people? Is it the job of the government to extol the virtues of some religions over other religions?

If one can answer "yes" to the preceeding questions, then there is nothing wrong with religious displays on municipal buildings. If, however, one must answer "no" to the preceeding questions, it should become rather obvious why such religious displays can be problematic, and as such, should be avoided in any society which has chosen for itself any form of government which is not a strict theocracy. Personaly, I would say "no".

Answer 2

Because it infringes upon the 1st Amendment right to religious freedom. When the government allos religious displays in a municipal building, it is in effect endorsing that religion and promoting one religion over another. If the display simply serves a secular purpose, like commercial santa claus images, then that's not a religious purpose and it's permissible.

Answer 3

Separation of church and state, right wrong or indifferent, every state pretty much defines that within their state constitution. Believe me if a religious organization is offended by a public display on the municipal grounds there will be hell to pay, primarily because they have a large number of religious leaders to "back them up", they are taxpayers and they are looking at something that infringes on their personal rights it will be an issue and liability for the city. If someone doesn't believe as you or someone else then they will become offended. We all have a right as US citizens to believe as we wish and that's none of the governments business and municipality is definitely government property. Ex: KKK, Satan worship, or the jihad/suicide bombers, I would be livid if I saw a burning cross or pentagram on the city hall's lawn or had a suicide bomber blow up the place cause he thinks it's his religious right, and then to hear someone say it's okay to be there because that's how they believe however AS BIZARRE AND WHACKED OUT as it sounds that is how some people believe and it is their right, even though we think they are out of their flipping minds and that's pretty much how I see it I guess. Now granted my examples may stink but really religion is my own business and no one else's, and my government will not tell me otherwise.

Answer 4

I think they shoud be prohibited so as to insure the seperation of Church and State. The danger in allowing religious displays in or on the grounds of government-owned property or buildings is that it sets a dangerous precedent. Or it is what they call a "slippery slope." It also is dangerously close to violating our Constitutional rights or Freedom of Religion, since a display of, say, the Ten Commandments would seem to discriminate against an American Jewish person, or Buddhist, or Muslim, or Atheist. We are supposed to be a government of the people for the people, by the people. Thus, to place a display of a specific religion in a muni building is actually the same as saying that government favors that religion, and thus discriminates agasint others. It should be impartial.

Answer 5

They shouldn't, as an immigrant coming to a Christian Country I accept that. That doesn't mean I can participate in my religion, but when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Therefore you could have crosses all over the buildings, I would not go and ask them to put a Buddha over there. Immigrants need to be more tolerable of their adopted country, if they don't like a religious display that's not of their religion, they have the freedom to go back from whence they came. Don't change your new country, change yourself.

Answer 6

This is a christian country after all. In Saudi Arabia you can be put in jail for trying too teach the christian religion. But in America you can practice any religion you want.

Answer 7

They shouldn't.
I think that Jesus, Buddha, Moses, and anyone/thing else that calls people to remembrance of their civic duty, and helps to foster a love for the law and for this country, should be encouraged!

Answer 8

I guess it helps prevent that disease where Christians announce their allegience to Jesus and then say God Bless America. How would you like political posters adorning your place of worship?