Oklahoma: Judge Dismisses Atheist Challenge
By Joseph DeCaro
OKLAHOMA CITY (Worthy News)– In March, a federal judge in Oklahoma dismissed a lawsuit filed by an atheist group that challenged a monument to the Ten Commandments in the state capital, according to Christian News.
American Atheists had filed the challenge on behalf of a woman who took exception to the monument’s presence on the grounds of the capitol building. But the State Capital Preservation Commission said the woman went to the capital just to take offense at the display.
U.S. District Judge Robin Cauthron ruled that the woman lacked standing to sue as she had not proven that she suffers personal injury from the display’s presence. Not surprisingly, atheists were taken aback by the ruling.
“We’re surprised and disappointed by this,” American Atheists Communications Director Danielle Muscato told reporters. “Oklahoma is breaking the law and cannot hide behind standing. This monument remains unconstitutional and we intend to re-file.”
But State Attorney General Scott Pruitt issued the following statement: “The historical relevance of the Ten Commandments and the role it played in the founding of our nation cannot be disputed. I commend Judge Cauthron’s decision to rule in the state’s favor.”
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