I just love the reporting. "A judge...." What purpose is there in

a story with key elements of the story missing. Was it a state court

Was it a Federal court Judge? Makes a difference doesn't it?

Since the "reporter" did not report all the facts, the judge was U. S.
District Judge Sim Lake.

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/metropolitan/2715433

U.S. District Judge Sim Lake ruled today that a Bible displayed in a
monument outside the Harris County Civil Courts Building must be removed
within 10 days and that the county must pay $41,000 in court costs and
attorney fees.

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/metropolitan/2728622

If this were brought in a state court I think it has merit. I do not
believe that the Constitution of the U. S. in any way prohibits states and
local governments from establishing a state or county religion.

Most of these reactionary issues are wastes of time. When Harris County
says that Jewish people can not hold religious services or citizens must
pray to Jesus, then we have an establishment of religion.

Yawn, ho hum, lets move on to the next wedge issue, bestial marriage.

"chris" <ctmilo@neo.rr.com> wrote in message
news:G3hSc.153650$fv.20141@fe2.columbus.rr.com...

Here we go. This will be the next big Christian Right uproar.


"Harry Hope" <rivrvu@ix.netcom.com> wrote in message
news:s31jh0d2usec5q7bpv46r0rulreq3u01q1@4ax.com...

From The Associated Press, 8/10/04:

Judge: Remove Bible From Court Display

By PAM EASTON
Associated Press Writer


HOUSTON --

A judge on Tuesday ordered Harris County to remove a Bible from a
monument outside its civil courts building, ruling that the display
violates the constitutional separation between church and state.

Federal Judge Sim Lake said the county should be exercising religious
neutrality and "not be seen as endorsing Christianity."

He gave officials 10 days to remove the Bible.

"The court concludes that the purpose of the Bible display is to
encourage people to read the Bible," Lake wrote.

"What other purpose could there be for prominently displaying an open
Bible in an illuminated case tilted toward passers-by in a heavily
frequented plaza in front of the main entrance to the courthouse?"

Real estate broker and attorney Kay Staley sued the county last
August.

She expressed delight over Tuesday's ruling.

"It is just a wonderful day for religious freedom and religious
diversity," she said.

The county argued that the display originated as a private expression
of free speech -- with private donations being used to buy the Bible
-- and that the county should not be held responsible for its
contents.

Harris County Judge Robert Eckels said he is reviewing the ruling with
the county attorney to develop strategies for an appeal.
___________________________________________

Want religion? Go to church.

Harry

I just love the reporting. "A judge...." What purpose is there in reporting
a story with key elements of the story missing. Was it a state court Judge?
Was it a Federal court Judge? Makes a difference doesn't it?

Since the "reporter" did not report all the facts, the judge was U. S.
District Judge Sim Lake.

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/metropolitan/2715433

U.S. District Judge Sim Lake ruled today that a Bible displayed in a
monument outside the Harris County Civil Courts Building must be removed
within 10 days and that the county must pay $41,000 in court costs and
attorney fees.

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/metropolitan/2728622

If this were brought in a state court I think it has merit. I do not
believe that the Constitution of the U. S. in any way prohibits states and
local governments from establishing a state or county religion.

Most of these reactionary issues are wastes of time. When Harris County
says that Jewish people can not hold religious services or citizens must
pray to Jesus, then we have an establishment of religion.

Yawn, ho hum, lets move on to the next wedge issue, bestial marriage.

"chris" <ctmilo@neo.rr.com> wrote in message
news:G3hSc.153650$fv.20141@fe2.columbus.rr.com...

Here we go. This will be the next big Christian Right uproar.


"Harry Hope" <rivrvu@ix.netcom.com> wrote in message
news:s31jh0d2usec5q7bpv46r0rulreq3u01q1@4ax.com...

From The Associated Press, 8/10/04:

http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-bible-lawsuit,0,6156322.story?coll=sns-ap-nationworld-headlines

Judge: Remove Bible From Court Display

By PAM EASTON
Associated Press Writer


HOUSTON --

A judge on Tuesday ordered Harris County to remove a Bible from a
monument outside its civil courts building, ruling that the display
violates the constitutional separation between church and state.

Federal Judge Sim Lake said the county should be exercising religious
neutrality and "not be seen as endorsing Christianity."

He gave officials 10 days to remove the Bible.

"The court concludes that the purpose of the Bible display is to
encourage people to read the Bible," Lake wrote.

"What other purpose could there be for prominently displaying an open
Bible in an illuminated case tilted toward passers-by in a heavily
frequented plaza in front of the main entrance to the courthouse?"

Real estate broker and attorney Kay Staley sued the county last
August.

She expressed delight over Tuesday's ruling.

"It is just a wonderful day for religious freedom and religious
diversity," she said.

The county argued that the display originated as a private expression
of free speech -- with private donations being used to buy the Bible
-- and that the county should not be held responsible for its
contents.

Harris County Judge Robert Eckels said he is reviewing the ruling with
the county attorney to develop strategies for an appeal.
___________________________________________

Want religion? Go to church.

Harry