Supreme Court to Weigh Commandments vs. Aphorisms

Can U.S. cities "pick and choose" which religious monuments they place in their parks, or if they allow one, must they allow them all? It's an unusual question testing the First Amendment's rights of free speech and religion, and now the Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case that could settle the issue.

Background: Among other monuments and memorials in its city parks, Pleasant Grove, Utah displayed a monument honoring the Ten Commandments. The religion of Summum requested that the city also display a monument honoring the religion's equivalent to the Ten Commandments, known as the "Seven Aphorisms." When Pleasant Grove failed to respond, Summum filed suit in federal court, claiming that its First Amendment right of free speech had been violated.

The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver ruled in favor of Summum and ordered Pleasant Grove to display Summum's monument. Pleasant Grove then appealed the 10th Circuit's decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Previous considerations of the Ten Commandments by the Supreme Court have involved disputes over whether or not the display of the Commandments by a city or state violates the 1st Amendment’s ban against "an establishment of religion."

In 2005, the Supreme Court -- on the same day -- ruled that a 40-year old monument to the Ten Commandments on the grounds of the Texas Capitol could remain, but barred Kentucky from displaying the Ten Commandments in its county courthouses.

The case of Pleasant Grove v. Summum will be heard by the Supreme Court this fall.

Also See:
Supreme Court Issues Split Decision on Ten Commandments
The Six 'Constitutional' Commandments
Church and State: How the Supreme Court Decides
The Founding Fathers on Church and State