Enquirer News Update - Updated 6:40 p.m.
Ministers block removal of Commandments
By Marie McCain
The Cincinnati Enquirer
PEEBLES, Ohio - A group of ministers and local residents blocked the removal Monday of a three-foot statue bearing the Ten Commandments that stands in front of Peebles High School in Adams County.
A year ago, a federal magistrate ordered the 800-pound monument removed because it violates the separation of church and state.
The American Civil Liberties Union, on behalf of Adams County resident Berry Baker, sued the school district, which allowed four of these monuments to be erected in front of four junior/senior high schools in Adams County.
The displays were scheduled to be removed Monday.
However, following a 90-minute rally, pastors and local residents locked arms in front of the monument.
The Rev. Phil Fulton, of Union Hill Church in Adams County, said he would remain defiant despite the federal court order.
"I am willing to do whatever it takes - to be arrested or whatever. There is no constitutional background to take these commandments out. This is our religious right. This is our freedom-of-speech right," Fulton said.
Local police and Adams County sheriff's deputies stood by. They have no authority to make arrests because a federal magistrate handed down the order.
The Rev. Rob Schenck, with the National Clergy Council based in Washington, D.C., said that the situation is at an impasse.
Schenck was at the rally to show his support for the display of the Ten Commandments.
He said the only way arrests could be made is if the school district wanted people removed from school grounds.
According to Schenck, the Adams County School District superintendent was on the phone as of 10:45 a.m. with the county sheriff's office. They were examining the court order to determine if local authorities could enforce it.
More than 100 residents and those in favor of the display turned out for the rally. Also in attendance was Baker.
At 11:25 a.m., the crane left the site. It was unclear if they were going to another high school or quitting for the day.
E-mail mmccain@enquirer.com
