Arrests Begin at Monument Showdown
 |
 |
The U.S. Supreme Court is refusing to block the removal of the Ten Commandments monument from the Alabama Judaical Building and a showdown is brewing at the building.
Protestors have been arrested in the Alabama Judicial Building. Early reports indicate 11 people have been arrested so far and at least one man had to be dragged away from the area.
The court rejected a last-minute appeal from Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore who is facing a Wednesday deadline to remove the granite monument.
For now, the U.S. Supreme Court's justices have decided not to be drawn into the dispute over whether or not the monument violates the Constitution's ban on government promotion of religion.
Judge Moore had wanted the U.S. Supreme Court to issue a stay and prevent the removal of the monument. Moore told CBS's "The Early Show" that the issue was "the acknowledgment of God." Moore has repeatedly stated he is upholding the Alabama Constitution.
Moore has stated earlier, he will not move the monument, but other state officials including Attorney General Bill Pryor have stated the monument may be moved. Pryor told the Mobile Register the monument would be "removed soon." Pryor also stated in a letter to Alabama House Minority Leader Jim Carns that Moore's attorneys did not follow standard procedures in the case.
Pryor also stated in his letter that "I also will vigorously defend those state officials who exercise their authority under state law to ensure compliance with the federal injunction. I fully expect that I will be called to fulfill that duty soon, and I am hopeful that the State will avoid paying fines from taxpayer funds for the refusal of the Chief Justice to follow court orders."