LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A final ruling in the Eastern District of Arkansas Federal Court on Tuesday stated the 10 Commandments monument at the Arkansas Capitol is unconstitutional.
Judge Kristine G. Baker ruled that the monument violated the Constitution’s First Amendment Establishment Clause.
Baker also found that the Ten Commandments Monument Display Act of 2015, passed as Act 1231 for the display of the 10 Commandments monument, and Act 274 of 2017, meant to prevent any monument from being erected at the Capitol without legislative approval, were violations of the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause.
The ruling orders Secretary of State Cole Jester to immediately remove the monument, but that is on hold pending appeal of the decision to the Appeals Court.
Judge Kristine G. Baker ruled that the monument violated the Constitution’s First Amendment Establishment Clause.
Baker also found that the Ten Commandments Monument Display Act of 2015, passed as Act 1231 for the display of the 10 Commandments monument, and Act 274 of 2017, meant to prevent any monument from being erected at the Capitol without legislative approval, were violations of the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause.
The ruling orders Secretary of State Cole Jester to immediately remove the monument, but that is on hold pending appeal of the decision to the Appeals Court.
