News Release

October 12, 2004

Media Contact: (202) 789-5200

Cato Scholar: Ten Commandments Case Demands Government Neutrality

WASHINGTON -- In a surprise move today, the Supreme Court of the United States announced it would take up the constitutionality of displaying the Ten Commandments on government property. Roger Pilon, Cato vice president for legal affairs, made the following comments:

"The Supreme Court's decision today to consider the constitutionality of Ten Commandments displays on government grounds is welcome news. For over two decades, the Court has declined to hear such challenges, leading to conflicting rulings in courts below. The principle at issue is clear. On religious matters, government must be neutral. It may not endorse either particular religious beliefs or religious belief as such.

"It is one thing to include religious artifacts as part of a larger cultural or historical display, quite another to display an artifact in a way that implies government's endorsement. Three of the Ten Commandments are explicitly religious: in fact, the first commands monotheism. That may be the dominant belief in America's history, but it is not the only belief Americans have held. Accordingly, out of respect for all Americans, our government must be studiously neutral in such matters. One hopes the Court will articulate those principles clearly and apply them correctly to the facts of the cases before them."

Pilon and Cato scholars Timothy Lynch and Mark Moller are available for additional comment on the Court and this case. Please contact the media relations department at 202-789-5200 to arrange an interview.