Supreme Court's Ten Commandment ruling could impact Stigler monument

The US Supreme Court weighs in on religious displays and monuments at courthouses across the country. <br/><br/>In a 5 to 4 decision, the court ruled Monday some of the exhibits cross the line between

Monday, June 27th 2005, 9:55 am

By: News On 6

The US Supreme Court weighs in on religious displays and monuments at courthouses across the country.

In a 5 to 4 decision, the court ruled Monday some of the exhibits cross the line between separation of church and state, while other displays can stay.

Despite the ruling, county commissioners in Haskell County say a Ten Commandment monument will remain standing outside the Haskell County courthouse. The display was placed in front of the courthouse in Stigler last November, after a private fundraising campaign involving more than a dozen churches.

Haskell County Commissioner Sam Cole: "I think if we stand, I think there will be a lot more of them. But had we backed down, I don't think there would be anyone else would have tried it."

In its ruling, the high court says some displays are allowed if they are portrayed neutrally in order to honor the nation's legal history.

The monument in Stigler also contains the words from the Mayflower Compact.

The Haskell County Commissioners say a lot of people across Oklahoma are keeping an eye on what happens in Stigler. Now, they hope more courthouses in Oklahoma put up displays.