ACLJ to OH Governor: "Extremist Position" by Atheists Not Supported by Law - Offer to Assist in Defending Holocaust Memorial
We're delighted to see the state of Ohio move forward with plans to construct a Holocaust memorial that includes a Star of David in its design - despite complaints from angry atheists - specifically, the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF).
As we already have reported, the FFRF sent a letter to the state claiming that the inclusion of the Star of David as a part of the Holocaust memorial is "exclusionary" and a "dishonor."
Absurd. FFRF's extremist position is not supported by the law, and it should be rejected.
We have sent a letter to Ohio Governor John Kasich and Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine on behalf of more than 26,000 Americans who stand in support of Ohio's decision to move forward with this memorial.
In our letter, we urge the state to ignore the faulty arguments of the atheist organization.
"FFRF's letter is inaccurate, and should not deter the State from moving forward with the proposed Memorial design, for two reasons. First, the letter ignores the historical significance of the Star of David in light of its systematic use by the Nazis as a tool to identify, segregate, and ultimately aid in the murder of, six million Jews. Second, the letter disregards and distorts Establishment Clause cases to suggest that government actors are categorically forbidden from including a Star of David on public property in all circumstances when, in reality, such symbols may be displayed in a secular context, such as the proposed Memorial design."
In addition, we include a comprehensive legal argument as to why the memorial - including the Star of David - is constitutional and does not violate the Establishment Clause.
You can read the complete letter here.
As we applaud Governor Kasich for his strong stand on this issue, we want the state of Ohio to know that we stand ready to assist, if necessary, in defending this memorial if it is challenged in court.