Attorney General Scott Pruitt commented on today’s ruling by the Oklahoma Supreme Court:
“Quite simply, the Oklahoma Supreme Court got it wrong. The court completely ignored the profound historical impact of the Ten Commandments on the foundation of Western law. Furthermore, the court’s incorrect interpretation of Article 2, Section 5 contradicts previous rulings of the court. In response, my office will file a petition with the court for a rehearing in light of the broader implications of this ruling on other areas of state law. In the interim, enforcement of the court’s order cannot occur. Finally, if Article 2, Section 5, is going to be construed in such a manner by the court, it will be necessary to repeal it.”
No, the Court got it right. The Oklahoma Constitution is very clear:
Article II, section 5.
“No public money or property shall ever be appropriated, applied, donated, or used, directly or indirectly, for the use, benefit, or support of any sect, church, denomination, or system of religion, or for the use, benefit, or support of any priest, preacher, minister, or other religious teacher or dignitary, or sectarian institution as such.”
Further appeal will likely be fruitless.
I find this opinion both interesting and hypocritical.
The conservative reaction to the SCOTUS same-sex marriage decision was that it is contrary to the US Constitution.
The conservative reaction to the SCOOK Ten-Commandment decision was that it is followed the Oklahoma Constitution.
Poor judges – damned if they obey a constitution – damned if they disregard a constitution.
It seems that correctness is in the eye of the beholder.
Let’s keep dedicating our time and resources to this significant political battle and put our traffic infrastructure improvement project on the back burner where it belongs.