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U.S. Supreme Court soon to rule
on Ten Commandments
The U.S.
Supreme Court ruling on the public posting of the Ten Commandments
is expected any day now. The ruling on this case is part of a larger
public discussion on the role of religion in politics and in civic
life. Many groups are disenfranchised by public displays of the Ten
Commandments or other religious symbols. Some feel such displays
amount to an endorsement of particular religious faiths, views or
interpretations. Others feel displays simply endorse religion, which
is not necessary for good citizenship in the U.S.
The American
Humanist Association, the American Ethical Union, Equal Partners in
Faith, and the National Center for Science Education were among 16
organizations that signed an amicus brief submitted to the Supreme
Court that addressed the Ten Commandments cases the Court heard.
This brief shows the perspective of those who are disenfranchised by
public displays of the Ten Commandments and confirms that the
government’s purported “secular” purpose was a sham and that the
primary purpose was religious thus violating the Establishment
Clause of the US Constitution.
Questions for
the Guest
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What is the
history of freedom of religion or belief?
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Why is this
freedom so important?
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What is the
harm of having religious displays in public?
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Why should
the average American care about this ruling?
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Where do
Humanists stand in this debate?
About the
Humanists of Florida Association Founded in 1986, The Humanists of
Florida Association is a statewide association of groups and
individuals that affirm the Humanist worldview. Humanism is a
progressive philosophy of life that, without supernaturalism,
affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of
personal fulfillment that aspires to the greater good of humanity.
The Humanists of Florida Association promotes Humanism and the use
of reason and compassion in the solving of Human problems. HFA is a
sub-chapter of the American Humanist Association and is widely
recognized as one of the most dynamic, innovative and
forward-thinking Humanist organizations in the country |
