Montgomery, AL - The Ten Commandments memorial located in the Alabama State Supreme Court building is expected to be removed soon. A federal district court ordered the removal of the monument, alleging that it violates the First Amendment's Establishment Clause in the United States Constitution. After a federal appeals court upheld the decision, Chief Justice Roy Moore, of the Alabama State Supreme Court, petitioned the United States Supreme Court to stay the decision. The Pacific Justice Institute drafted a letter that was sent to several of the justices. The letter was an additional request for the Court to grant a stay.

Yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to grant a stay, which would have prevented, at least temporarily, the monument from being removed. The United States Supreme Court will likely have another opportunity to hear the merits of the case, and may then decide to allow the monument to be returned to its original location at the courthouse.

"The removal of this monument acknowledging the historical basis of American law can hardly be viewed as an endorsement by the state of Alabama of any one particular religion," said Brad Dacus, president of the Pacific Justice Institute.

In the event the Supreme Court decides to hear the full case on the merits, the Pacific Justice Institute intends to file an amicus brief in support of Judge Roy Moore's position.

The Pacific Justice Institute is a non-profit 501(c)(3) legal defense organization specializing in the defense of religious freedom, parental rights, and other civil liberties

P.O. Box 4366, Citrus Heights, CA 95611
Phone (916) 857-6900 Fax (916) 857-6902
www.pacificjustice.org