[supercat]

- NO law respecting an establishment of religion

The county regs were passed by Congress? When written, the First Amendment very clearly did not apply to states (some of which had official state religions). While the Fourteenth Amendment should restrict the actions of states, it's unclear what exactly the restrictions are. I think the actions of the county in this case would seem to be grossly out of bounds, but the First Amendment is not as absolute with regard to states as it is with regard to the federal government.

[seanmerc]

“the First Amendment is not as absolute with regard to states as it is with regard to the federal government.”

It is to me.

[rollo tomasi]

"Without a guaranty the assistance to be derived from the Union in repelling those domestic dangers which may sometimes threaten the existence of the State constitutions, must be renounced. Usurpation may rear its crest in each State, and trample upon the liberties of the people, while the national government could legally do nothing more than behold its encroachments with indignation and regret. A successful faction may erect a tyranny on the ruins of order and law, while no succor could constitutionally be afforded by the Union to the friends and supporters of the government." Fed. #21 -- Hamilton arguing against the weakness of the Articles of Confederation

The solution to a potential State tyrants: Article VI, 2nd paragraph. Unfortunately the promoters of the Constitution failed to properly (Easily) neutered the Supreme Court.