State House passes Ten Commandments bill

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The vote was 97-2. Twenty-five members did not vote.

"This leaves no gray area and shows state agencies that they have the support of the Legislature if they choose to do this," said Rep. Jim Harrison, R-Columbia, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, underscoring the voluntary nature of the bill.

The legislation now goes to the Senate where it may face a tougher ride.

"Oh, my goodness," said Sen. Larry Martin, R-Pickens, a Judiciary Committee member. "We'll have to take a look at any constitutional questions that may be raised. While bills like this may serve a popular purpose, if we're wide open to a lawsuit, all you're doing is opening the treasury to those who would bring suit."

Sen. Ralph Anderson, D-Greenville, said the bill doesn't bother him, but "I will convey when it comes over that why don't they at the same time, place that in their hearts and not on a pedestal." Anderson said he doubted the bill would win Senate approval.

The nature of religious-themed displays on public property is again before the U.S. Supreme Court.

But House backers said the bill codifies a previous high court ruling that allowed displays of the Ten Commandments on public property if they are in an "historical context."

Under the legislation, Harrison said, "any state entity — USC or Clemson, Department of Commerce or the Supreme Court — may post the Ten Commandments and know the Legislature stands solidly behind them."

Bill Hendrix of Kiawah Island, chairman of Clemson University's Board of Trustees, said members "will deal with it at the appropriate time." The issue hasn't been discussed with the university's administration or among trustees, Hendrix said.

The bill would allow displays of the commandments on state property "along with other documents of historical significance that have formed and influenced the United States legal or governmental system."

Rep. Bob Leach, R-Greenville said, "It is now more important than ever to know and understand America's moral, ethical and legal roots." He added, "The Ten Commandments are central to all three."

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments last month on cases from Texas and Kentucky in which the American Civil Liberties Union is challenging the monuments or displays involving the Ten Commandments on state and local government property.

Opponents argued that the displays represented government endorsement of religion, while supporters cited them as recognition of influences on Western civilization and the nation's founding.

The Bush administration has intervened on behalf of Texas and Kentucky.

Staff writer Dan Hoover covers politics and can be reached at 298-4883.