City, Freethinkers Clash Over Ten Commandments Monument

Attorney John Baker, who was hired by the city to defend the monument, says he thinks there's enough precedent to keep the monument on display near city hall.

 

 

 

 

The battle over Fargo's publicly-owned Ten Commandments monument was back in federal court. The city wants a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit that seeks to force the monument's removal.

Attorney John Baker, who was hired by the city to defend the monument, says he thinks there's enough precedent to keep the monument on display near city hall.

Moorhead attorney Bruce Schoenwald represents the Red River Freethinkers, who want the monument removed. Schoenwald says the city’s actions have transformed the monument into a form of religious speech.

A federal appeals court ruled in May that the lawsuit against the city can proceed. Federal Judge Ralph Erickson says he will take the matter under advisement.

 

Jim Monk

   

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