Kentucky Library Rejects Display
Containing Ten Commandments
Citing ongoing legal battles over posting the Ten Commandments in public buildings, the Muhlenberg County (Ky.) Public Library board of trustees voted 4–1 March 26 to reject a display containing the document.
Resident Mark Cunningham had offered in February to donate to the library eight framed and mounted documents (including the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights) that he said promoted American history, the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer reported March 27.
“As long as there’s litigation pending, it’s not a good idea to expose yourself to litigation unless it’s absolutely necessary,” said Library Director Anniesse Williams. After the state General Assembly adopted a resolution in 1999 encouraging schools to post the commandments, the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky filed suit against several counties alleging that their displays violated the U.S. Constitution.
“I don’t think the library wants to be exposed to anything controversial at this time,” said board president Donna Harrison. Cunningham’s previous requests to the Muhlenberg County board of education, Greenville city council, and Muhlenberg fiscal court were also rejected, the newspaper reported.
Posted April 2, 2001.
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