By Regan McCarthy
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-995505.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – Cross City and Dixie County residents rallied this weekend against a lawsuit that would force the community to remove a monument engraved with the 10 Commandments and the words "Love God and Keep his Commandments" from its courthouse steps. Regan McCarthy reports some say a number rivaling the city's total population attended.
Cross City citizens say they want to keep the monument right where it is. Many argue that the American Civil Liberties Union, the organization suing the county to remove the stone, ought to keep its nose out of their community's business. But ACLU of Florida spokesman Derek Newton says his group is working to protect the constitution and the monument violates it.
"It's unfortunate that Americans would be so vocal about their disregard for our founding documents and principals, but one of the good things about the constitution is that it protects their right to rally for whatever they want to rally for."
Dixie County is appealing a federal judge's decision ruling the monument unconstitutional. Newton says the outcome of the case will likely impact several similar monuments around the state.