JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ill. – A group of Jefferson County, Illinois taxpayers have filed a lawsuit in a push to remove a Ten Commandments monument from the lawn of the county’s courthouse, citing concerns over religious neutrality and constitutional violations.
The lawsuit, filed Monday in Illinois’ 2nd Judicial Circuit Court, targets Jefferson County, the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners and several Jefferson County board members.
It also references county sheriff Jeff Bullard, not explicitly as a defendant, but as an individual who allegedly had a role in moving the monument from its original location inside the courthouse to the lawn outside.
Monument commissioned last year
According to the lawsuit, Bullard commissioned the monument last year with help of private donations, and the monument was initially installed inside the courthouse lobby.
The lawsuit contends, later that year, after legal counsel warned the display could raise constitutional concerns, the monument was relocated to an outdoor lawn near the courthouse entrance.
The lawsuit claims that the sheriff used around $4,800 from a county-controlled account known a “Chirper Fund” to cover relocation costs not fully covered by the original private contributions for the monument.
The lawsuit alleges, around September 2024, the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners voted to retain the monument on county property, despite legal warnings from the Freedom From Religion Foundation and an attorney who informed the county that the monument could raise “serious legal concerns.” The lawsuit, however, notes the board’s decision followed public comments with mixed reactions.
The monument, which stands nearly seven feet tall, features a Protestant version of the Ten Commandments, according to the lawsuit.
ACLU filed the lawsuit
Now several months since it was moved outside, the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois filed a lawsuit on behalf of eight Jefferson County taxpayers of various religious and non-religious backgrounds. The ACLU argues that the monument signals a government endorsement of a particular religious perspective.
“In Illinois, we do not permit local politicians to use the power and authority of their office to promote their religious views,” said Kevin Fee, legal director for the ACLU of Illinois, via a news release. “Our organization has always worked to ensure that everyone’s religious freedom is respected. This monument – which must be removed immediately – attempts to undermine that freedom for many residents. We are pleased to represent these clients in seeking fairness in Jefferson County.”
“This Ten Commandments monument represents an intrusion of civil authority into matters of faith,” said lead plaintiff and Pastor Lynn Neal. “As a minister, I object to my government co-opting my religious beliefs for improper political purposes, usurping my role as a religious leader by promoting an officially preferred version of the Ten Commandments and presenting it outside of its biblical context.”
The lawsuit is seeking “declaratory relief” through a court order that would require the removal of the monument from public property and prohibit further use of public resources to support religious displays.
FOX 2 has reached out to the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners and Sheriff Jeff Bullard for comment. Requests for comment have not been returned as of this story’s publication. Visit Fox2now.com for continued updates on this story.
