Plano, TX- The 5th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals heard arguments today in the Harris County Bible Case, Staley v. Harris County.
The monument gathered tremendous attention when it was altered from its original form after a federal judge ruled that the Bible must be removed from the monument in August 2004.
“Nothing in the Constitution requires us to sandblast our religious heritage from our historical monuments,” said Kelly Shackelford, chief counsel for Liberty Legal Institute.
The case, Staley v. Harris County, originated when Kay Staley, member of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, argued that the monument advances a specific religion by the state.
Liberty Legal Institute (LLI) filed a brief asking the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to return the Bible removed from the 50-year-old monument outside the Harris County Civil Courthouse last year. In addition, LLI provided guidance and support to Harris County as they prepared for the arguments.
Donated in 1956 to honor philanthropist William S. Mosher, the monument serves as a reminder of Mosher’s hard work and dedication to helping the homeless and poor in Houston. The monument, located among other memorials and historical markers, is owned by the Star of Hope Mission.
“Removing the Bible, while allowing other monuments dedicated to historical figures to stand, tells citizens that faith-based public service is unworthy of recognition,” said Jonathan Saenz, staff attorney for Liberty Legal Institute.