By WKYU-FM
Washington, D. C. – A split Supreme Court struck down Ten Commandments displays in courthouses Monday morning, ruling that two exhibits in McCreary and Pulaski Counties cross the line between separartion of church and state.
The court says that's the case because they promote a religioous message.
The 5-4 decision was the first of two seeking to mediate the bitter culture war over religion's place in public life. In it, the court declined to prohibit all displays in court buildings or on government property.
Justices did leave some legal wiggle room, saying that some displays, like their own courtroom frieze, would be permissible if they're portrayed neutrally in order to honor the nation's legal history.
But the Court said framed copies in the Pulaski and McCreary County courthouses went too far in endorsing religion.
Formet McCreary County Judge-Executive Jimmie Greene, who originally hung the Ten Commandments in the Whitley City courthouse more than a decade ago, told Western's Public Radio Monday morning that he's "heartbroken" over the ruling but has no recourse for any further appeals.