TULSA — Some civil rights groups say legal action is possible over a Ten Commandments monument installed Thursday on the Oklahoma state Capitol grounds.
The groups say the monument is unconstitutional because it implies a state endorsement of religion.
Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, says her Wisconsin-based group would be interested in bringing a lawsuit. Ryan Kiesel, the director of Oklahoma's chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, says case law would be on his group's side if it decided to sue.
State Rep. Mike Ritze, whose family paid $10,000 for the monument's construction, says tax dollars wouldn't be used to defend a legal challenge because the Liberty Legal Foundation will cover all costs.
The Republican-controlled Legislature authorized the privately funded monument in 2009.
Oklahoma News
November 16, 2012
Lawsuits possible over Ten Commandments monument
- Oklahoma News
-
- Principal tells of tornado strike
- Legislature finishes session one week early
- Birth control coverage up for federal appeal
-
Distraught mom becomes face of the storm
- Tornado damage: Thousands of homes, $1.5-$2B
- WikiLeaks case file fight moves to federal court
- Harrowing scene inside school
- Moore residents seek to recover after blow
-
Moore digs out of devastation
-
LIVE BLOG:Coverage of Monday's devastating tornado
A massive tornado touched down Monday afternoon in Moore, Okla., just south of Oklahoma City. Follow live coverage of the aftermath of the storm.
- More Oklahoma News Headlines
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
