Ten Commandments statue set to return to Kentucky Capitol

A new law took effect Thursday authorizing the return of a granite monument engraved with the Ten Commandments to the Capitol grounds in the state capital of Frankfort. The Republican-controlled House of Representatives and Senate passed the resolution and it took effect without Gov. Andy Beshear’s signature. Senators approved the measure earlier this month after House representatives passed the resolution in February.

What is the history of the monument? The Fraternal Order of Eagles in 1971 donated the display to the state, according to First Liberty Institute. Authorities removed the statue in the 1980s due to a construction project and in 2000 legislators passed a law that required it to be returned to the Capitol. A federal appeals court blocked its return after the court argued it violated a three-part legal test intended to prevent the government from establishing a religion.

Has anyone opposed the statue recently? A coalition of 79 faith leaders earlier this month wrote a letter to Gov. Beshear asking him to veto the resolution. The leaders said the measure would undermine religious freedom and argued the monument was not inclusive of all faith traditions.

Dig deeper: Read my report about a Connecticut teacher who is fighting for the right to keep a cross on her wall.