An Arkansas House committee has endorsed a proposal to allow a Ten Commandments monument near the state Capitol despite objections it blurs the separation between church and state. The Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs voted for the bill 11-3 on Friday.
It would allow a privately funded monument to the commandments to be built on the Capitol grounds, with its design and location to be approved by the secretary of state.
Supporters say the monument would honor the role the commandments have played in the nation's legal system. Opponents testified the display could amount to a state endorsement of religion and would be unconstitutional. The bill now heads to the full House.
