Ten Commandments Under Attack in Federal Court

October 15, 2002 Contact: John W. Giles For Immediate Release 334-832-4688

MONTGOMERY - Today, Federal Judge Myron Thompson has begun a trial based on a complaint levied against Chief Justice Roy Moore seeking the removal of the Ten Commandments monument from the Alabama Supreme Court Building. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Americans United for the Separation of Church and State and the Southern Poverty Law Center represent three
lawyers who are plaintiffs in this case. Moore's attorneys are building their defense based on the acknowledgment of God and the Ten Commandments
being the moral foundation of the US and Alabama Constitutions.

Christian Coalition of Alabama President John Giles stated, "This is a frivolous lawsuit, which is seriously flawed, baseless and without one ounce of merit." On August 1, 2001, Chief Justice Roy Moore fulfilled a campaign promise to the citizens of this state by returning the moral foundation of our law to the Alabama Supreme Court with the placement of a 2-½ ton
monument bearing the Ten Commandments encircled by historical quotes and inscriptions. "This monument, which was not paid for by public funds, is a beautiful contribution to the Alabama Judicial building and a generous historic gift to the state by Chief Justice Moore. Although this is a wonderful piece of art carved in granite, this stone reflects everything great about America and the monument itself is historically, legally and judicially sound. The Ten Commandments are the cornerstone of western
civilized law and can be found carved on the wall of the US Supreme Court in our nations capitol; it is a double standard for the US Supreme Court to be adorned with this great piece of our history and the Alabama Judicial building be denied," Giles added. "We believe that justice will prevail in this case as strict construction of the constitution is applied. It is apparent from correspondence exchanged between the plaintiffs that this case has been reduced to a personal attack on Chief Justice Roy Moore," Giles
concluded.