So let it be written, so let it be done - say several bill-makers who hope to make it possible for Michigan school employees to display signs of religious faith, such as the Ten Commandments.
The bill was examined for the first time April 25 in the state House Oversight and Operations Committee. It was passed by the committee last week, and is currently in the House and could be voted on at any time. Proponents say the bill will help to clear up any confusion about the posting of religious items.
State Rep. Robert Gosselin, R-Troy, is a supporter of the bill.
“It says that you can’t give preference to one faith and not to another,” Gosselin said.
He also commented on the focus some opponents have given the Ten Commandments as a representation of faith.
“I think it’s a representation of life in general,” he said. “You could even call it the 10 standards. It’s one of those things that I believe we’d have less problems in our schools if we had those guidelines.”
Gosselin said the Ten Commandments are able to encompass all Judeo-Christian segments of faith. But the opposition says allowing the posting of the document will force a choice between separate versions, causing there to be a preference one way or another.
“A lot of people around the state support posting the Ten Commandments,” said state Rep. Ken Bradstreet, R-Gaylord, who sponsored the bill. “I’m aware that it’s controversial. We have a rich religious history, and we can’t ignore that without lying about history.”
The bill has very vocal opponents who hope this move can be stopped. Representatives from the American Civil Liberties Union spoke at the committee hearing and plan to continue working against any such bills.
“We’re very concerned and oppose the bill,” said Wendy Wagenheim, communications director for the ACLU of Michigan. “Hanging the Ten Commandments as a part of history is smoke and mirrors. It’s an attempt to put up a religious display in the guise of balance.”
The U.S. Congress has already established laws that allow the commandments to be posted under certain circumstances. The proposed bill includes requirements that if posted, other documents, public records or objects of historical significance accompany the commandments.
The bill also includes language stating the commandments would have to be displayed in the same manner as the other historical documents and would not have more attention focused on them.
Bruce Patterson, R-Canton, chairman of the House Oversight and Operations Committee and House Majority Floor Leader, said he thinks it may be possible for the bill to progress.
“It’s possible this bill could pass,” Patterson said. “It’s a little too early to know. My charge is to make sure that it stands a congressional challenge. I think it would be inappropriate to prematurely end discussion on this.”
