Bible Display Lawsuit Update - 8/23/04

Judge Sim Lake Denies Request For A Stay!

Overview of Key Points

• Judge Sim Lake declared the Bible in the Star of Hope monument to William S. Mosher located in front of the Harris County Courthouse “violates the Establishment Clause” and must be removed by August 24.
• Both Harris County and Star of Hope filed requests last Thursday to have Judge Lake stay his decision to remove the Bible while the decision is appealed to Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
• The Judge largely based his ominous decision on the fact that Ministers were present at the original dedication, the 1995 restoration and the rally last fall – as well as that there was prayer at each event. According to this judge, there may no longer be prayer at public events, memorials, dedications etc., nor may the Bible be used in any such setting.
• Today, Judge Sim Lake arrogantly denied the request for a stay, asserting that further “violation” to Kay Staley’s “rights” could not be justified.
• Harris County has immediately filed an appeal with the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and requested an emergency hearing Tuesday morning.
• If the stay is granted by the Fifth Circuit, the Bible will remain – if it is not the Bible will be removed by Star of Hope representatives before midnight on Tuesday, August 24.