Holocaust Memorial Approved for Ohio Statehouse

Written by Don Byrd
In Ohio, a Holocaust memorial planned for the Statehouse is raising questions among some lawmakers regarding potential church-state disputes. According to the Washington Post, the Governor argues the structure, which includes a prominent Star of David, will teach an important lesson about man’s capacity to be inhuman towards others. The Chair of the Advisory Board, however, is concerned the emphasis on the Jewish faith may open the monument up to constitutional challenges.

When is a Veterans Memorial a Religious Monument? Judge Halts Plans in CA City

Written by Don Byrd
The City of Lake Elsinore, California commissioned a monument to be placed outside its baseball stadium. The plan for the work depicted a soldier kneeling next to a cross. After questions that this might raise church-state concerns, the Council refused to remove the cross element and instead decided to add a Star of David, hoping to lessen the appearance of religious endorsement. It didn’t work, at least not in the eyes of the federal district court.

Yesterday, a federal judge halted the installation of the monument pending the outcome of the lawsuit, finding a likelihood of success in the plaintiff’s case.

Jackson, Ohio School Board to Discuss Jesus Painting Lawsuit

Written by Don Byrd
The School Board of Jackson, Ohio will face an unusually large crowd at the meeting tonight when they discuss whether to heed the demands of a lawsuit and remove a painting depicting Jesus from a local Middle School, or to fight the issue in court.