My topic is among the most controversial of those today; the separation of Church and State. Like most issues before the courts, this is one that sparks a lot of feelings in countless people hailing from different walks of life. In most instances revolving around the Government's attempt to merge the two, Reverend Barry W. Lynn is one of several people fighting to uphold the basis of the First Amendment. Being the executive director of AU, Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, Reverend Lynn is quick to debate and argue on behalf of those without voices. After the September 11th tragedy in 2001, Roy Moore, a presiding Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice, had erected a two-and-a-half ton monument depicting the Ten Commandments in the Judicial Building during the summer of 2003. Defying direct orders not to place it, Chief Justice Moore was removed from office by a unanimous vote by the Alabama Court of Judiciary.
American Civil Liberties Union
Official photo of former Florida Governor Jeb Bush
Holly Bush Inn, Makeney, DerbyshireMoore felt that the citizens of the United States needed to look upon the Ten Commandments for solace in the wake of the events of 9/11; a notion that was not reciprocated by all. In Virginia County, U.S. Magistrate Judge Dennis W. Dohal ruled on the 13th of November that the board had created an open forum to Christian clergy and the like to offer prayer. Due to this, Cyndi Simpson was excluded from partaking because of the fact that she was of Wiccan faith and wanted to give her own prayer. Americans United Legal Director Ayesha N. Khan later remarked "Government inevitably ends up favoring some religions over others.", which couldn't be more truthful. The members of the board made some rather disparaging remarks about Simpson, in some instances she was mockingly compared to a certain character from "The Wizard...