Debates Over Hanging Ten Commandments Plaque in Altoona's Municipal Buidling

October 15, 2002

Source: The Associated Press

On October 15, 2002 The Associated Press reported that "a plaque displaying the Ten Commandments no longer hangs in Altoona's [PA] municipal building, and some council members who want to put it back on display are running into opposition. Groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union and the American Atheists Inc. argue that displaying the religious text in a government building is a clear violation of the separation of church and state and would offend some people. Altoona city officials say the plaque deserves to be displayed for its historic value, having been in the city's possession so long. They also say that the Ten Commandments helped form the foundation of America's government."