ACLU files a lawsuit over a Ten Commandment monument in Stigler

MUSKOGEE, Okla. (AP) -- The Oklahoma chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union filed a federal lawsuit Thursday against Haskell County, demanding that a <b><a class="headlinelink" href="http://www.kotv.com/main/home/searchKOTV.asp?mainSearch=Ten

Thursday, October 6th 2005, 1:41 pm

By: News On 6

MUSKOGEE, Okla. (AP) -- The Oklahoma chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union filed a federal lawsuit Thursday against Haskell County, demanding that a Ten Commandments monument be removed from the courthouse grounds in Stigler.

Haskell County commissioners had no immediate comment on the lawsuit.

It alleges the display violates constitutional protections against government endorsement of religion and entanglement of government with religion.

The ACLU brought the complaint on behalf of Jim Green, a retired veteran and a longtime resident of Haskell County. He objects to the monument because he believes the display violates the U-S Constitution and trivializes religion.

The 8-foot, $2,500 monument was funded by efforts of Stigler-area residents and church members. It was erected last November after approval from the Haskell County Commission.