In recent weeks, leaders in Marion, Illinois discussed a proposal to build a permanent display featuring the Ten Commandments on the City's Tower Square. The City also apparently is considering a plan where it would sell part of Tower Square for the purpose of building the display.

On September 13th, the ACLU of Illinois sent a letter to Marion Mayor Robert Butler urging the City to reject the concept of building the monument on City property, of selling a small section of that property for the purpose of constructing the monument. The ACLU of Illinois letter makes clear, among other things, that the "Ten Commandments are highly religious." Because of the highly religious nature of the Ten Commandments, the ACLU notes, placing them in a public space "endorses the religious beliefs of some Americans, while sending the message that other Americans are outsiders and second-class citizens."

Download the letter to Marion County