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ACLU sues city over Jesus painting By MICHAEL KUNZELMAN, Associated Press Writer
2 hours, 15 minutes ago



The American Civil Liberties Union sued the city of Slidell on Tuesday for displaying a painting of Jesus in a courthouse lobby, saying it violates the constitutional separation of church and state.

The ACLU sued after the Slidell City Court refused to voluntarily remove the picture and a message below it that reads: "To Know Peace, Obey These Laws." The ACLU says the portrait — an image of Jesus presenting the New Testament — is a religious icon of the Eastern Orthodox branch of Christianity.

"We did not file this lawsuit because the ACLU is anti-religion ... We did file this lawsuit because we believe this display is clearly in violation of the law," said Vincent Booth, president and acting executive director of the Louisiana ACLU chapter.

The suit was filed on behalf of an unidentified person who complained to the ACLU about the picture. Named as defendants were the city of Slidell, St. Tammany Parish and City Judge James Lamz. St. Tammany Parish is being sued because it partially funds the court, the ACLU said.

On Saturday, Lamz said the picture would stay up unless a federal judge ordered it removed. He said he didn't believe the portrait violates the Constitution, but the issue should be decided in federal court.

Lamz could not comment Tuesday because of the pending litigation, his office said.

Before refusing to take the painting down, Lamz consulted Douglas Laycock, a professor at the University of Michigan Law School who has argued before the Supreme Court.

Laycock said he told Lamz that the legal issues in the case aren't clear-cut and could set legal precedent.

"I don't know how far the two sides will want to push things," Laycock added.

The painting has been on display at the courthouse for nearly a decade and hadn't provoked any complaints prior to the ACLU's recent objections, said Michael Johnson, senior legal counsel for the Alliance Defense Fund, a Christian civil rights group representing the city and parish.

Johnson, whose group is often at odds with the ACLU, said the painting sends an inclusive message of equal justice under the law. He said the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that similar displays in public forums are constitutional.

2007-07-03 12:25:26 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture Religion & Spirituality

16 answers

Ridiculous.

Isn't Slidell a place right across a body of water from N. Orleans? If it is, then people in that area need Jesus' protection in their lives. We all do, but especially that area since they went through such a devastating time a short while ago.

I suppose they would prefer graffiti so bad that people cannot walk with their children past there????

The ACLU does do some great work for people who have been discriminated against and people whose civil liberties have been violated. However in this case, I believe they are looking for trouble where it seems none has existed over the picture for the past 10 years.

2007-07-03 12:49:49 · answer #1 · answered by Patti C 7 · 1 2

I honestly think there are more imp things for the aclu to be concerned over then whether or not slidell louisianna has a painting of jesus in a courthouse.

2007-07-03 12:45:05 · answer #2 · answered by growlymomma 2 · 1 1

A better question would be whether the court in that courthouse is actually ruling in favor of Christians or against non-Christians; paintings hanging in the lobby don't really bother me, regardless of the content... the fact that it hung there for ten years before someone saw an opportunity to complain about something might be a valid thing to point out. If the court in question did, however, rule in favor of Christians or against non-Christians with some kind of bias, I would consider that worth getting upset and riled about.

2007-07-03 12:30:42 · answer #3 · answered by ಠ__ಠ 7 · 3 1

I'm not surprise!! We no longer live in a Christian Nation. Our Country is trying to destroy the foundation that our ancestors has lade in the faith of Jesus Christ. We are now pagan. This Nation that I love has turned it's back from God and I'm afraid it will get much worst. God is still merciful, we shouldn't worry when these things happen. God still is and will always be in control. Yes this is a sad thing, and people have miss translated the so-called separations of church and state.

2007-07-03 13:12:24 · answer #4 · answered by Sir Narnian 3 · 1 0

Why did they put the painting in the courthouse lobby? Seems to me to be promoting a religion, which the governments of our country are not supposed to do. I hope their legal fees are high so the citizens can wake up and throw these fools out of office.

2007-07-03 12:31:56 · answer #5 · answered by Lionheart ® 7 · 4 0

The ACLU is a Jewish organization, that fights for the rights of gays and lesbians. They are long known for being anti Christ. To see one mans Christian crusade against the ACLU chech out: http://www.brothernathanael.com/index.php?paged=2

2007-07-03 17:02:56 · answer #6 · answered by ladderofdivine 2 · 0 1

I myself believe that the ACLU decision to sue is ludicrous
To sue anyone or anything is a severe violation of their free speech and their right to express their beliefs. personally I belief that the ACLU should be sued for religious persecution and discrimination It is also a severe violation of the 1st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution which prohibits the federal legislature from making laws that prohibit free exercise of religion (the "Free Exercise Clause"),

2007-07-03 12:43:08 · answer #7 · answered by Gerry d 2 · 3 3

I would have to agree. People do not need to follow the laws of christianity to not end up in a courthouse, they need to follow the laws of the land.

2007-07-03 12:28:40 · answer #8 · answered by bensbabe 4 · 4 1

They clearly broke the law. They deserve to be sued.

2007-07-03 12:31:34 · answer #9 · answered by Shawn B 7 · 3 0

Its fantastic, I find religous symbols as offensive to my intellect as most people would find hardcore pornography displayed publicly offensive.
I know you are fishing for answers to massage your ego but you should really consider the possibility that there is no god. Perhaps if you did just a small amount of research you would be enlightened as all atheists are.
Religion is poison./

2007-07-03 12:31:26 · answer #10 · answered by kmankman4321 4 · 2 3

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